15-year-old boy facing weapons charges after disturbance at park in St. Catharines

A 15-year-old boy is facing weapons charges following a disturbance at a park in St. Catharines on Friday night.

Niagara Regional Police Service say officers responded to Lakeside Park shortly before 10 p.m. after receiving multiple calls about the incident.

Investigators say witnesses reported several physical altercations before police arrived and alleged a male suspect had brandished a loaded firearm.

Officers later located and arrested a suspect matching the description provided by witnesses.

A black imitation firearm and bear spray were also seized during the investigation, police say.

The boy faces charges which include possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and carrying a concealed weapon.

Police say under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the suspect’s identity is protected and will not be released to the public.