A 15-year-old youth faces a long list of charges following an alleged carjacking Monday afternoon.
Ottawa police said in a release the suspect first attempted to steal an unoccupied car parked in the 1300 block of Bank Street, but was unsuccessful.
When that attempt failed, he pulled out an imitation firearm and threatened the driver of a second vehicle in the same lot.
He demanded she hand over her keys. The victim was allowed to remove her child from the vehicle before the suspect drove off.
A witness near the scene spotted the suspect and attempted to confront him.
But the youth once again brandished the imitation firearm and drove away.
Police said the stolen vehicle was later involved in a crash in a parking lot on St. Laurent Boulevard.
By this time, two other young offenders had joined the alleged thief.
All three were taken into custody.
Police said the 15-year-old youth was charged with robbery and several other offences.
The two other suspects, both 14 years old, were released on undertakings, on charges connected with being found in a vehicle known to be stolen.
The investigation continues, and anyone with information is asked to contact the robbery unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116.
Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.