Police charge four youths in connection with aggravated assault

Lethbridge Police have charged four young males in connection with an incident where a 16-year-old male was attacked and assaulted.

On September 8, just after 1 a.m., police and EMS responded to a report of an injured male following a physical altercation outside a home along the 2500 block of 13 Street North. Investigation determined the victim had been walking in the area when he was confronted by a group of males who proceeded to assault him with multiple weapons, including a baton. He was also threatened with what appeared to be a handgun. The victim was subsequently transported to hospital for treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening, injuries. 

Following further investigation, including a review of CCTV footage, cell phone and social media videos, police determined the victim was the target of a group attack motivated by a previous, unrelated incident. Three male subjects were arrested November 13 and a fourth male was arrested earlier today. 

Police also executed a search warrant at a northside home and seized a BB gun and clothing consistent with what was worn by one of the subjects during the assault. 

Two 16-year-old males, one 17-year-old male and one 15-year-old male, all of Lethbridge, are each charged with: aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, pointing a firearm, possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public and use of a firearm while committing an offence. 

The 16-year-old male arrested today, is currently in custody awaiting a Judicial Interim Release hearing. 

The other males have been released with conditions. The 15- and 17-year-old are scheduled to appear in youth court Dec. 11. And the remaining 16-year-old on Nov. 27.

The names of the accused cannot be released under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.