Three teens charged after two swarmings

DARTMOUTH — Halifax police say they’re concerned after two swarmings happened less than an hour apart in Dartmouth on Monday night.

The first took place at 6 p.m. at the Metro Transit bus terminal as three females jumped a 21-year- old woman as they tried to steal her backpack.

About 45 minutes later, police responded to another robbery as two men were swarmed while walking on Mount Hope Avenue.

Police don’t believe the two incidents are related.

“People should feel safe walking in our city and should be able to do so,” said police spokesman Const. Pierre Bourdages.

In the first swarming, the victim was kicked and punched and suffered minor injuries.

The teens fled on foot but were identified and arrested a short time later. Two of the teens are charged with robbery and breach of conditions and the other is charged with assaulting a police officer and obstruction.

In the other swarming, a group of five to six male teens followed the two men and demanded their backpacks and electronics. Police say a suspect holding a knife punched one victim in the face and had his teeth cracked. The other victim was knocked to the ground and then punched and kicked.

Four males were later taken into police custody on nearby Pleasant Street, but were released.

— Philip Croucher/Metro Halifax