A 15-year-old high school student is facing charges after one of his classmates was repeatedly burned with a lighter on a number of occasions.
Durham Regional Police say the victim, another 15-year-old boy, was assaulted five times on school property between Nov. 10 and Nov. 19.
Investigators allege that a suspect ignited a cigarette lighter to heat the metal tip and then pressed it against the victim's right arm, burning the flesh.
Authorities became involved when the victim's mother noticed burn marks on her son and took him to the hospital for treatment.
Police say the victim spoke with investigators on Dec. 9. At that point, police say they noted the burn marks on the boy's arms.
"(We) observed the burns were healing but were leaving scars," Durham police said in a news release.
The 15-year-old suspect is charged with assault with a weapon.
A second teen was also taken in for questioning but was released and given a pre-charge diversion under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Anyone with information is being asked to call Det. Sgt. Herb Curwain or Const. Todd Petzold at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2674 or 2695.
Anonymous tips can also be left with Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS.
