Canadian Teen Arrested for Allegedly Torching Jewish Classmate's Hair

A teenager in Winnipeg, Canada, has been arrested after allegedly setting a Jewish classmate's hair on fire. The incident reportedly unfolded after the 15-year-old boy made anti-Semitic remarks towards a 14-year-old girl.

The young boy has been charged with assault with a weapon, according to the Jewish Forward, after police investigated the Nov. 18 incident (more arrests may follow). The scenario apparently occurred in the hallway at Oak Park High School.

Authorities say the boy made anti-Jewish slurs, then pulled out a lighter and touched it to the girl's hair hair. Below, watch a news report about the incident:

The Jewish Tribune reports:

According to Lawrence Lussier, Pembina Trails School Division superintendent, “There was definitely some racial comments made and some physical aggression occurred...[the] ends of [the girl’s] hair were singed [by a lighter].”

The school was made aware of the incident, when, three days after it took place, the female student came forward, telling a counsellor what occurred. The male student was then suspended, and has since withdrawn from the Charleswood-area school (where the female student continues to attend).

Apparently the teens had exchanged comments on social media prior ro the incident. Police also say that the boy's Facebook profile also included anti-Jewish statements.

The boy wasn't arrested until Dec. 4, as police weren't notified about the incident until Nov. 25 -- one week after it happened. Luckily, the girl didn't suffer any injuries. A possible hate crimes charge may be pending. The school claims that the the boy was suspended immediately and that he has since been taken out of the school by his legal guardian.

The community is, understandably, disturbed by the situation.

(H/T: Jewish Forward)