Police in York Region say a 12-year-old boy charged with attempted murder in a shooting while out on bail last month was released on bail again Wednesday, which comes after renewed calls from police for changes to the criminal justice system.
Police say they responded to reports of a shooting in the area of McCowan Road and 14th Avenue on Aug. 14.
Officers found a man with gunshot wounds who was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the suspect was arrested on Tuesday.
Police say the youth from Toronto has also been charged with discharging a firearm with intent, possession of property obtained by crime and other charges, and at the time of the shooting he was out on bail for unrelated violent offences.
Const. James Dickson says the suspect was released on bail after appearing in court Wednesday for charges related to the Aug. 14 shooting.
Dickson says police continue to investigate a motive behind the shooting, and officers are looking for at least one additional suspect.
"We're still looking into why our victim was targeted. That's part of the ongoing investigation," Dickson said.
This comes after a string of alleged homicides and home invasions in York Region and the province over the past several days, prompting recent calls for federal bail reform from police and politicians.
“Once again, we're seeing individuals released on bail involved in serious crimes within our community,” York Region police Chief Jim MacSween said in a press release about the 12-year-old suspect Wednesday.
“We must advocate for legislative measures which ensure violent and repeat offenders are kept off the streets, while also focusing on rehabilitating our youth, to ensure public safety, to protect our officers and to maintain public confidence."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2025.
Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press
