A 12-year-old boy enjoying a game of soccer at Pasquale-Gattuso Park in Rivière-des-Prairies (RDP) had a terrifying encounter when three teenagers approached him, demanding his phone while brandishing what seemed to be a gun.
The boy’s mother, Ivana, received a distressing call from his friend informing her that her son had been threatened with a gun and robbed of his phone. Rushing to the park with her sister, she found her son in a state of shock, pale as a ghost. The incident took place on a Sunday afternoon, leaving the boy unharmed physically but deeply shaken.
His parents, opting to remain anonymous for their child’s safety, expressed how this encounter has profoundly impacted their perspective on allowing him out alone. The father, Steve, shared that his son is now scared to visit the park, emphasizing that they will no longer permit solo outings unless accompanied by a parent.
Residents of the family-oriented neighborhood were taken aback by the news, with one young mother expressing sympathy for the traumatized boy’s parents and emphasizing the need for safety in the community.
The parents spent extended hours cooperating with Montreal police post-incident, with authorities initiating an ongoing investigation and seeking surveillance footage from local residents. While the presence of a firearm is yet to be confirmed, the family is determined to see the culprits brought to justice.
Steve, who is recovering from leg surgery and has limited mobility, voiced his frustration at being unable to protect his child during the harrowing event. The family’s concern extends beyond the stolen phone, as they now view their once-safe neighborhood through a different lens.
Ivana stressed the lasting impact of such incidents on young minds, highlighting the fear instilled in children when faced with the sight of a weapon. The family’s hope is for a swift resolution and restoration of safety in their community.
