A 14-year-old Cochrane boy has been charged following an act of vandalism in the Willows neighbourhood that involved a swastika spray-painted on the garage door of a local home.
Cochrane RCMP confirmed the charge on May 14, a day after the hateful symbol was discovered and reported to police.
“We’ve made an arrest in connection with the swastika graffiti incident in the Willows,” said Cst. Clayton Gelinas. “The youth has been charged with three counts of mischief under the Criminal Code.”
The graffiti was reported on May 13, sparking concern among residents and prompting an RCMP investigation. Surveillance footage shared by the victims showed three individuals in the area at the time, but Gelinas said police believe only one person was responsible.
“At this point, there are no additional charges expected,” Gelinas said. “We believe we’ve identified the individual responsible for the vandalism.”
The incident appears to be isolated, with no other similar reports in the area.
“There was just the one instance in the Willows that we’re aware of,” Gelinas added. “If any other incidents were to come forward, we’d certainly investigate those.”
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The youth, a Cochrane resident, cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
RCMP are encouraging residents to continue reporting suspicious activity and say they are committed to addressing acts of hate and vandalism swiftly.