Police respond to 'unknown trouble' call at Ajax hotel; youth faces multiple weapons charges
Durham Regional Police arrested and charged a 13-year-old boy after an investigation at a hotel in Ajax on Wednesday, police said. Officers were dispatched to the area of Westney Road South and Bayly Street West for what was described as an
“unknown trouble”call, and located a male who was allegedly armed with a knife.
The youth was taken into custody without incident. During the course of the investigation, officers suspected there might also be a firearm on the premises. With the assistance of a K9 unit, members searched the property and reportedly located and seized a firearm.
Police say the 13-year-old from Ajax is now facing a total of 15 charges, including counts of carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace. Among the charges are two counts of failure to comply: one for an alleged breach of a release order and another for an alleged breach of a probation order.
According to investigators, when he was arrested the youth was already bound by multiple release orders, including a weapons prohibition order. He was held for a bail hearing.
What police confirm and what remains private
Durham Regional Police released limited details about the incident, citing the ongoing inquiry and the youth’s age. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identification of young persons charged with offences is shielded to protect their privacy, which limits the information police can release publicly.
What is clear from the police account is:
- Location: hotel near Westney Road South and Bayly Street West in Ajax.
- Detainment: the youth was taken into custody without incident.
- Seizure: both a knife and a firearm were recovered during the investigation.
| Detail | Reported |
|---|---|
| Age of accused | 13 |
| Number of charges | 15 |
| Notable charges | Carrying a concealed weapon; possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace; failure to comply (two counts) |
Local context and community impact
Incidents involving weapons — and in this case a firearm — raise immediate concern for residents and businesses in Ajax, a community that straddles suburban neighbourhoods and commercial corridors. Hotels by major intersections such as Westney and Bayly serve transient populations as well as travellers, and policing such spaces requires coordination between frontline officers, investigative units and K9 teams.
For families, the involvement of a young teenager underscores the complexities of youth crime and the challenges of prevention and rehabilitation. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, responses to alleged youth offending combine elements of protection, accountability and rehabilitation, but police actions in the moment focus first on public safety and securing evidence.
Durham Regional Police did not disclose whether there were any injuries or whether any other individuals were arrested in connection with the incident. They also did not provide details about the make or type of firearm seized. Those elements may emerge later in court documents or further police updates, subject to youth privacy rules.
What comes next
The youth was held for a bail hearing. If convicted, consequences under adult sentencing do not automatically apply; the Youth Criminal Justice Act sets out specific measures and dispositions for young persons that emphasise rehabilitation and reintegration, while still allowing for custody in serious cases.
Residents with concerns about public safety in the area can contact Durham Regional Police’s non-emergency line to report suspicious activity. As this matter proceeds through the justice system, additional information may be released by police or the courts, within the limits set by law.
This office will continue to follow developments in the case and report any substantive updates from Durham Regional Police or the courts.
