HRP Statement: Last night's arrest of youth

Posted:

EN

We would like to provide some information in relation to the arrest of a youth last night, as there is understandably great public interest in this matter. While we have granted interviews with media on this subject throughout the day, we feel it's equally important to share this information with our citizens.

At approximately 8:10 p.m. on June 7, HRP was called to the IWK Emergency Department entrance to assist IWK Protective Services with a 14-year-old female youth who was reportedly acting out in a violent manner and attempting to run away while outside the facility. Upon police arrival, the girl assaulted numerous people at the scene.

Officers were so concerned for her safety and the safety of those around her that they had no choice but to arrest her for breach of the peace at approximately 8:30 p.m.; we didn’t arrest for her assault because we understood there were mitigating factors underlying her behaviour and didn’t want the situation to result in criminal code charges against her. She was transported to Police Headquarters and held in a holding room (rather than a cell) while officers determined the next steps for the girl’s care in consultation with a family member who attended Headquarters. The girl was monitored closely and when officers observed behaviour that caused them to believe she was a danger to herself, they arrested her under the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act and took her back to the hospital at 10 p.m. for assessment. Officers remained with her at the hospital until she was no longer considered to be in our care.

Rest assured that when our officers took action last night, they had the best interests of this girl in mind as well as the interests of her family and others around her. This was about the wellbeing of a child whose situation required police intervention; no charges were laid against her and no charges are pending. We’re extremely appreciative of the support shown to us by her family and friends.