A 12-year-old boy was treated for second-degree burns Friday after he was chased down by three older youths and hit by fireworks.
One of the three balaclava-clad culprits caught up with the boy in the downtown area of Shuter and Ontario streets and set off a Roman Candle-type firework, which struck the victim in the back, police told the Toronto Star.
The incident took place at about 3 p.m. after the suspects threatened the boy. The 12-year-old ran away, but tripped and fell, which gave the attacker the opportunity to light the firecracker, police said.
Revenge sparked by a dispute the day before appears to be the motive, Staff Sgt. Howie Page told the Star.
During the pursuit, the victim hid under a car, at which point one of the youths bounced a firecracker off the vehicle -- a dangerous move because of the proximity to the car's gas tank, Page said.
At one point, a firecracker was also aimed at the victim's head.
"You're looking at something where someone can lose an eye with these," Page said of firecrackers being mishandled by teens.
The suspects, described as boys aged 12 to 14, ran away in an unknown direction.
Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact 51 Division at 416-808-5104 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
