Two youths have been charged following an alleged hate-motivated incident involving a replica firearm at a Woodstock park. Woodstock police say the incident happened at Southside Park on Oct. 27 at about 6 p.m., when a youth allegedly displayed what appeared to be a handgun to two other youths. Investigators say the 14-year-old suspect approached the pair and started an argument, during which racial slurs were allegedly directed at them. The suspect then allegedly displayed the firearm and threatened to shoot them. The two youths left the area safely and reported the incident. No physical injuries were reported. Officers located and arrested the 14-year-old at the park. During the arrest, a second youth, 17, allegedly struck an officer and was also taken into custody. Police seized a replica handgun and a folding pocketknife. The 14-year-old faces two counts of hate-motivated uttering threats, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and resisting a peace officer. The 17-year-old has been charged with assaulting a peace officer. Both youths were released on undertakings with conditions and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date. Their identities cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
