A 12-year-old male is facing assault and robbery charges after he and another youth confronted a 17-year-old male and a 16-year-old female in the downtown area on Friday, July 14, 2023 around 4:45 pm.

Police say that during the confrontation the female victim tried to intervene but was assaulted and pushed away. She did not require medical attention.

The situation escalated and the suspects pulled out a machete and demanded the male victim’s property. The victim complied but was assaulted with the machete which caused a serious injury to his face. The victim was taken to hospital in unstable condition but later upgraded to stable.

Police captured the 12-year-old male in the 600 block of Langside Street. He was in possession of the victim’s property.

The suspect was charged with Robbery, Aggravated Assault and Assault. He was released on an Undertaking and turned over to an adult.

Police continue to investigate.