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In a case that shocked the community of Barrhead in Northern Alberta, a 15-year-old male has received a conditional discharge with 12 months probation for assaulting a person with bear mace and a pellet gun outside of a Tim Hortons last summer. The youth pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon and appeared in court for sentencing before Justice Jordan Stuffco. The assault occurred on August 2, 2023, when the victim was sprayed with bear mace and shot at with a BB gun by the accused and another youth. The accused's lawyer argued for a 12-month conditional discharge and 10 hours of community service, citing the accused's young age, early guilty plea, and lack of previous criminal record. The Crown prosecutor suggested 18 months of probation, 50 hours of community service, and a curfew for the first 12 months. Justice Stuffco agreed with the Crown's proposed length and conditions of probation, calling them 'fantastic.' The accused's lawyer also requested a reduction in community service hours, but the Crown argued that probation was an appropriate sentence to address the harm caused to the victim and the community. Justice Stuffco emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the need for the accused to learn how to deal with peer pressure. He ultimately gave the accused a conditional discharge with 12 months probation and maintained the 100 hours of community service. The other youth involved in the assault, a 16-year-old male, was previously sentenced to 24 months of probation and 18 months probation concurrently for assault with a weapon and mischief under $5,000. The conditions of the accused's probation include keeping the peace, being of good behavior, reporting to the court and probation officer as required, living with his parents at an approved residence, attending counseling sessions or treatment as directed, writing an apology letter to the victim, completing 100 hours of community service, and adhering to a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the first six months. The youth must also submit to a mandatory DNA order. This case highlights the importance of addressing youth crime and providing appropriate consequences while also focusing on rehabilitation and learning from past mistakes. [97454466]
In Pacifica, California, a 44-year-old man named Christopher Romero was arrested during a family disturbance on July 1, 2024, for allegedly negligently discharging a firearm. The Pacifica Police Department responded to a call on Franz Court and found that Romero, the resident's adult son, was reportedly angry and destroying the interior of the home. While officers were outside speaking with the reporting party, they heard gunshots from inside the home. Additional officers were called, and a secure perimeter was established. Romero was taken into custody without incident. No injuries were reported. The investigation revealed that Romero had discharged a handgun inside the home. The Pacifica Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact them at 650-738-7314 or the Silent Witness Tip Line at 650-359-4444. [9f33d8b5]
In Benton Harbor, Michigan, Dontrell Nance has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for kidnapping and brandishing a firearm. Nance and his brother, Darnell Bishop, kidnapped the manager of a Dunham's Sports store and coerced him to reveal the alarm code. They stole over 100 guns from the store. Bishop will be sentenced in October. [6901a8be]
Charles Owens, a 38-year-old man from Norfolk, Nebraska, was arrested on several charges after a disturbance involving a gun in Woodland Park. Law enforcement responded to a disturbance call at a Woodland Park residence and found Owens, who had gained entry by breaking a door, armed with a gun. Owens admitted to having a handgun and throwing it into a field before law enforcement arrived. He was arrested on suspicion of criminal trespassing, criminal mischief, disturbing the peace, third-degree assault, prohibited acts while under the influence of illegal drugs, and attempted possession of a dangerous weapon by a prohibited person. The handgun was not recovered after a thorough search of the area. Anyone who sees a gun in Woodland Park is asked to contact the sheriff's office. [6b792413]