Wednesday, September 18, 2002

SIX YOUNG OFFENDERS ARRESTED AFTER RAMPAGE ON RANKIN
First Nation, Sault Ste Marie

Six young offenders ranging in age from 14 to 17 were taken into custody after a series of fights, threats and extensive damage throughout the Batchawana First Nation last night.

The trouble started around 9:00 p.m. when a group of about 10 youths were refused service at a convenience store. The ten attempted to buy cigarettes but were refused because of their age. They then started to cause a disturbance in the store and the Batchawana First Nation Police were called.

When police attempted to arrest one of the youths, he resisted and the officer was forced to pepper spray the youth. The rest of crowd converged on the lone police officer and she called for assistance. When officers arrived, rocks were being thrown at the cruiser and officer. One cruiser received minor damage. Another youth was arrested and at this time the other eight left the area.

A short time later police received calls of the