THREE ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

(Mishkeegogamang, ON) – Three suspects have been arrested, including two youths, following an aggravated assault investigation in Mishkeegogamang First Nation.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Mishkeegogamang First Nation detachment received a call for service in the evening hours of Wednesday, Nov. 6 regarding a possible assault in progress on Johnson Avenue.

When police arrived, they located a possible crime scene and learned an adult male victim had been assaulted by multiple suspects. 

The male was transported to the health clinic for further evaluation and treatment of their injuries. The exact extent of the victim’s injuries is not known at this time, and are believed to be serious but non-life threatening.

As a result of continued investigation, three suspects were identified. They were located, and arrested without incident, in the afternoon hours of Thursday, Nov. 7.

Members of the NAPS Northwest Crime Unit are now involved in the continued investigation.

A 17-year-old male from Mishkeegogamang First Nation is charged with:

·         Aggravated Assault

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

Andrew Shane WESLEY, 27, of Mishkeegogamang First Nation, is charged with:

·         Aggravated Assault

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

A 15-year-old male from Mishkeegogamang First Nation is charged with:

·         Aggravated Assault

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

The identities of the youth accused are being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

All three accused in bail court on Friday, Nov. 8. Both youth accused were released with conditions and future appearance dates. WESLEY was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

The investigation remains ongoing.

NEARLY $400K IN DRUGS SEIZED DURING SEARCH IN APITIPI ANICINAPEK NATION

(Apitipi Anicinapek, ON) – Police arrested a suspect connected to ongoing drug trafficking in Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, and seized nearly $400,000 worth of illicit drugs, following the search of a home Thursday.  

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit, with support from the NAPS Emergency Response Team, and Timmins Police Service Drug Unit, and OPP Community Street Crime Unit, executed a pair of search warrants at a residential property on Concession Road in Apitipi Anicinapek Nation on Thursday, Nov. 7.

The warrant was obtained as a result of suspected drug trafficking activity from that home.

When police entered they located arrested a male suspect.

Meanwhile, a female relative of the suspect arrived at the home and confronted police officers. Police attempted to deescalate, however, despite these efforts the woman assaulted an officer at the scene.

She was taken into custody without further incident.

Following the search of the home, police located and seized: A quantity of crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, fentanyl, cocaine, Ritalin, oxycodone, MDMA, 26 long guns including a sawed-off shotgun, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The estimated street value of drugs seized totals more than $385,000.

Jay BABIN, 30, of Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2

·         Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of N-Methyl-3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methylphenidate (Ritalin) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Restricted Firearm

·         Careless Storage of a Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

Cynthia DIAMOND, 50, of Matheson, Ont., is charged with:

·         Assault Peace Officer

DIAMOND has since been released with conditions and a future appearance date.

BABIN appeared in bail court on Friday, Nov. 8 and was released with conditions and a future appearance date.

MALE ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT, ASSAULT

(Sandy Lake, ON) – Police arrested a male suspect Thursday amid an investigation into multiple incidents of assault and sexual assault that occurred between March and October in Sandy Lake First Nation.  

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Sandy Lake First Nation detachment became aware on Wednesday, Nov. 6 about a series of sexual assault incidents that had occurred between March and late October of 2024.  

The incidents involved one male suspect and one female victim.

Police learned the victim and accused were in a relationship at the time of the incidents.

Upon further investigation, police learned the victim had been allegedly sexually assaulted on five occasions, and physically assaulted twice.

Members of the NAPS Northwest Crime Unit are now involved in the ongoing investigation.

In the afternoon hours of Thursday, Nov. 7, police located and arrested the accused without incident.  

An 18-year-old male of Sandy Lake First Nation is charged with:

·         Sexual Assault x 5

·         Assault x 2

Due to a number of the incidents occurring while the accused was a youth, the identity is being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The name of the accused is also being withheld to protect the identity of the victim.

The accused appeared in bail court on Friday, Nov. 8 and was released with a future court appearance date.

DRUGS, FIREARMS AND CASH SEIZED FROM FORT HOPE HOME

(Fort Hope, ON) – Police arrested five suspects, seized drugs and firearms following a search of a Fort Hope First Nation home Sunday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit and Emergency Response Team, with assistance from frontline officers working from the Fort Hope First Nations detachment, executed a search warrant at a residential address in that community in the morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 27.

The warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking activity from that address.

As a result of the search, police located and seized a quantity of suspected Oxycodone pills, cocaine, two firearms, about $18,000 CAD in cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Four suspects were arrested at the scene without incident.

Samson WABANO, 18, of Fort Hope First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

Maria WABANO, 18, of Fort Hope First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

 

Robert Aaron Craig WABANO, 39, of Fort Hope First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 3

·         Careless Storage of a Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition x 3

Tyra Ricki Michelle WABANO, 20, of Fort Hope First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

Sophia June Esther YELLOWHEAD, 38, of Fort Hope First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 3

·         Careless Storage of a Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition x 3


Samson WABANO appeared for a bail hearing on Monday, Oct. 28 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

The other suspects were released from custody with conditions and future court appearance dates.

CRYSTAL METHEMPHETAMINE SEIZED IN CONSTANCE LAKE FIRST NATION

(Constance Lake, ON) – Police laid a drug trafficking charges and seized a quantity of suspected Crystal Methamphetamine from a male who appeared to be violating numerous court orders Monday. 

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working from the Constance Lake First Nation detachment responded to a call for service regarding a missing ATV battery on Monday, Oct. 21.

During their investigation, officers came into contact with a male who appeared to be in violation of conditional release orders.

The male was taken into custody as a result.

Further investigation revealed the male was also in possession of a quantity of suspected Crystal Methamphetamine. Police seized the drugs as evidence for an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

Chance Silverjay MATTINAS, 29, of Constance Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Failure to Comply with Release Order x 5

He appeared for a bail hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 22 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

YOUTH LINKED TO BREAK AND ENTER, ASSAULT CHARGED

(Constance Lake, ON) – Police located and arrested a suspect who allegedly left behind their iPhone at the scene of an assault and break and enter Sunday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working from the Constance Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service in the morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 20 following reports of an assault and break and enter that had just occurred.

As a result of an ongoing investigation, police learned an occupant inside the home had woken up after a young male had broken into the home.

The male accused, who was wearing a mask at the time of the incident, assaulted the victim after being confronted.

The suspect then fled the scene on foot.

As a result of continued investigation, police located a phone believed to have been left behind by the suspect. They later identified, located and arrested a 16-year-old male.

A 16-year-old male from Constance Lake First Nation is charged with:

·         Break and Enter

·         Assault

·         Disguise with Intent

·         Failure to Comply with a Release Order x 3

The accused appeared for a bail hearing on Monday, Oct. 21 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.  

The name of the accused is being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

MALE FACES CHARGES OF ASSAULTING PEACE OFFICERS WITH WEAPON

(Mishkeegogamang, ON) – Police responding to a violent incident at a Mishkeegogamang First Nation home safely evacuated three children before arresting the male accused Sunday night.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working from the Mishkeegogamang First Nation detachment received a call for service in the nighttime hours of Sunday, Oct. 20 following reports of a disturbance at a residential address on Henry Street.

Police learned the accused had allegedly sent threatening messages, and that children were in the home.

Officers entered the home and managed to remove the three children and an adult occupant without incident.

While negotiating, the accused threatened attending officers and advanced toward them with a knife. However, officers were able to convince the accused to disarm, which allowed negotiations with attending officers to continue.

After a short time, the accused began to fight with officers as they attempted to complete the arrest. Despite this, no serious injuries were reported as a result of the incident and the male was taken into custody.

Calvin NEEKAN, 29, of Mishkeegogamang First Nation, is charged with:

·         Assault Peace Officer with a Weapon x 3

·         Resist Peace Officer

·         Uttering Threats – Death or Bodily Harm x 3

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

He appeared in court for a bail hearing and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

SUSPECTED IMPAIRED DRIVER WITH CHILD PASSENGERS INVOLVED IN MVC

(Sandy Lake, ON) – A driver allegedly involved in a motor vehicle collision while having three young children as his passengers has been charged with impaired driving.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working from the Sandy Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service in the early morning hours of Monday, Oct. 14, regarding a collision that had recently occurred involving a suspected impaired driver.

Police located the red pickup truck involved in a ditch at the corner of Airport and River Roads.

An investigation revealed the truck was observed travelling eastbound on Airport Road when the motorist lost control and came to rest in the ditch.

Police also learned three children, between the ages of two- and five-years old, were in the vehicle at the time of the collision. They were assessed at the community nursing station, but no injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

The suspected driver was located and taken into custody in the late afternoon hours of Monday, Oct. 14.

Jarvis Jackie GOODMAN, 30, of Sandy Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired – Alcohol and Drug

·         Mischief

He has since been released with conditions and a future court appearance date.

ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

(Webequie, ON) – Police arrested and charged a male for attempted murder following an alleged stabbing incident in Webequie First Nation Saturday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working from the Webequie First Nation detachment received a call for service in the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 19 about a serious assault that had just occurred in the community.

An investigation revealed a male and female who were known to each other were on School Road when they became involved in an altercation. The altercation became physical and the female was allegedly assaulted by the male accused.

The victim sustained serious injuries consistent with a stabbing, and was initially treated for those injuries at the community nursing station. Due to the severity of her injuries, the victim was transported to Thunder Bay for further evaluation and treatment of those injuries.

The victim remains in the hospital, but the exact extent of her injuries is unknown at this time.

The accused was located and taken into custody in the evening hours of a Saturday, Oct. 19.

Members of the NAPS Crime Unit are now involved in the ongoing investigation.  

Bryton Jermaine Dante QUISSES, 26, of Webequie First Nation, is charged with:

·         Attempt to Commit Murder

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Failure to Comply with Release Order x 4

The accused appeared in bail court on Sunday, Oct. 20 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

DRIVER APPEARING TO DRINK DURING TRAFFIC STOP CHARGED

(Fort Severn, ON) – Police charged a motorist, who appeared to drink alcohol from a red plastic cup during a traffic stop, with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service received a call for service in the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 12, after receiving traffic complaints regarding a suspected impaired motorist.

Officers located a vehicle matching the description and successfully conducted a traffic stop.

When police approached the driver, they observed multiple signs consistent with impairment by alcohol.

Officers also observed the driver drinking from a red plastic cup believed to contain alcohol, and noticed an empty alcohol container in the vehicle.

The motorist was placed under arrest and taken into custody without incident.

Jolene Anne STONEY, 36, of Fort Severn First Nation, is charged with:

·         Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle – Alcohol and Drugs

She has since been released from custody with conditions and a future appearance date.

TWO YOUTHS FACE BREAK AND ENTER, AUTO THEFT CHARGES

(Fort Hope, ON) – Two female youths, one 12- and the other 14-years-old, face charges of auto theft after getting a pick-up truck stuck in a ditch in Fort Hope earlier this week.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Fort Hope First Nation detachment received a call for service in the early morning hours of Monday, Oct. 14, regarding a pick-up truck in a ditch within the community.

Police located the vehicle stuck and partially in a ditch on Main Street and learned it had been stolen from a nearby home.

As a result of continued investigation, police learned multiple youths had broken into a home before stealing the vehicle parked in the driveway. The youths lost control of the vehicle shortly after the alleged theft.  Police identified, located, and arrested two female suspects on Wednesday, Oct. 16, and Thursday, Oct. 17 respectively.

A 14-year-old female from Fort Hope First Nation is charged with:

·         Break and Enter

·         Theft Under $5,000

·         Theft of Motor Vehicle

·         Failure to Comply with Release Order x 3

She appeared for court on Friday, Oct. 18, and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

A 12-year-old female from Fort Hope First Nation is charged with:

·         Break and Enter

·         Theft Under $5,000

·         Theft of Motor Vehicle

She was released from custody with conditions and a future court appearance date.

The names of the accused are being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The investigation remains ongoing.

MALE ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

(Summer Beaver, ON) – Police arrested a male who now faces assault, and break and enter charges following a violent incident in Summer Beaver First Nation Thursday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Summer Beaver First Nation detachment received a call for service in the morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 17 regarding reports of an injured male believed to have been the victim of a recent assault.

Police learned an adult male was sleeping in their home when a male accused entered and assaulted them with a blunt object. The suspect then fled from the scene on foot.

The victim required treatment for their injuries at the community nursing station. The exact extent of those injuries is unknown at this time, but are not believed to be life-threatening.

As a result of continued investigation, police identified and located a male suspect. He was taken into custody without incident later that same morning.

The victim and accused are known to one another.

Marcel Barnabas OSKINEEGISH, 37, of Summer Beaver First Nation, is charged with:

·         Aggravated Assault

·         Assault with a Weapon

·         Break and Enter with Intent to Commit Indictable Offence

·         Fail to Comply with a Probation Order

He appeared in bail court on Friday, Oct. 18, and was released with conditions and a future court appearance date.

MOTORIST CHARGED WITH IMPAIRED DRIVING AFTER SANDY LAKE COLLISION

(Sandy Lake, ON) – A suspected impaired driver who allegedly damaged multiple vehicles before colliding into a ditch now faces impaired driving and mischief charges.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers working out of the Sandy Lake First Nation detachment observed a silver pickup truck in a ditch on River Road just after 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11.

Officers approached the vehicle and located an adult female in the driver’s seat. Police assisted the driver out of the vehicle, and observed several signs consistent with impairment by alcohol.

An investigation revealed the female was suspected of being involved in a collision with a parked vehicle prior to coming to rest in the ditch.

Further investigation revealed two parked vehicles had been damaged during that collision.

The female suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Sharon Misty MEEKIS, 48, of Sandy Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

·         Mischief Over $5,000

·         Mischief Under $5,000

She was later released from custody with conditions and a future court appearance date of Nov. 4, 2024.

SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF A TEACHER

(Webequie, ON) – Police have arrested and charged a teacher amid an investigation into allegations of sexual assault against a minor.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Webequie First Nation detachment began an investigation into allegations of sexual assault against a minor in the community in September 2024.

Police learned the accused was a teacher in the community and had allegedly assaulted a male youth who was 15 years old at the time of the incident.

Members of the NAPS Northwest Crime Unit became involved in the continued investigation.

As a result of continued investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained and executed in the morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 6. The accused male was taken into custody without incident.

Noah John SISSON, 26, of Holland Landing, Ont., is charged with:

 

·         Sexual Assault on a Person Under 16 Years of Age

·         Invitation to Sexual Touching Under 16 Years of Age

·         Sexual Interference

The accused appeared for a bail hearing on Monday, Oct. 7 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

The investigation into these accusations continues. Investigators urge anyone who may have information, or may have been a victim or know of possible victims, to contact the NAPS Northwest Crime Unit at (807) 623-2161 ext. 6114.

You can submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

ARMED STANDOFF CONCLUDES SAFELY, ONE MALE IN CUSTODY

(Attawapiskat, ON) – Police arrested a male following a nearly four-hour armed standoff in Attawapiskat First Nation Sunday afternoon.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service members working out of the Attawapiskat First Nation detachment received reports of an armed male barricaded inside a home on Spruce Street in the afternoon hours of Sunday, Oct. 6.

Police arrived on scene and contained an area surrounding the home to ensure public safety.

Police learned the male was armed with a firearm. Members of the NAPS Emergency Response Team were dispatched to Attawapiskat.

After hours of negotiation, the male exited the home, was cleared medically, and then taken into police custody. 

Roland IAHTAIL, 43, of Attawapiskat First Nation, is charged with:

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order

·         Uttering Threats – Damage Property

He appeared for bail court on Monday, Oct. 7, and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

For further information, please contact:

SUSPECT ARRSETED FOLLOWING BEAR SPRAY ASSAULT IN MISHKEEGOGAMANG

(Mishkeegogamang, ON) – Police arrested and charged a male suspect following an alleged incident in which three victims were attacked with bear spray Saturday.     

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Mishkeegogamang First Nation detachment received a call for service on Saturday, Oct. 5 regarding an apparent assault that had just occurred.

Police arrived at the scene, which was a residential address in the zero-to-100 block of James Road. As a result of continued investigation, police learned an adult male suspect had forcefully entered the home and attacked three people with bear spray.

The male suspect was identified, and located walking along James Road.

Officers initiated a high-risk arrest with assistance from members of the OPP’s Pickle Lake detachment. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Aaron Wayne FOX, 33, of Mishkeegogamang First Nation., is charged with:

·         Assault with a Weapon x 3

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Break and Enter Dwelling

The accused appeared for a bail hearing on Saturday, Oct. 5 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

MOTORIST ARRESTED FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING IN APITIPI ANICINAPEK NATION

(Apitipi Anicinapek Nation) – Police arrested a suspected impaired motorist who was speeding excessively and driving erratically in the community of Apitipi Anicinapek Nation Thursday afternoon.  

Members of the Nishanwbe Aski Police Service working out of the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation detachment received multiple calls for service regarding a person driving erratically in the afternoon hours of Thursday, Oct. 3.

A NAPS officer on patrol spotted a vehicle that matched the description provided in the area of Noels Drive and Penatuche Road shortly after 4:30 p.m. The motorist was observed travelling at a high rate of speed.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and approached the driver. During this interaction the officer observed several signs that the driver was possibly impaired.  The motorist was arrested for suspected impaired operation of a motor vehicle.

The suspect was transported to the OPP’s Iroquios Falls detachment for further evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert. As a result of that evaluation, the motorist was formally charged with Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Impaired. 

A 33-year-old female from Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, is charged with:

·         Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

She has since been released from custody with conditions and a future appearance date.

The names of accused individuals are withheld until charges are formally sworn before the courts.

Impaired driving represents a serious community safety threat, and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service takes these kinds of incidents seriously.

 

TWO ARRESTED, METHEMPHATAMINE AND OPIOIDS SEIZED

(Attawapiskat, ON) – Police arrested two suspects, and seized more than $50,000 worth of illicit drugs during the search of a home in Attawapiskat Thursday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant at a residential address in the community of Attawapiskat First Nation in the morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 3.

The warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking from that address.

Two suspects located inside the home were taken into custody without incident.

As a result of their search, police located and seized a quantity of suspected Oxycontin pills, Percocet pills, Methamphetamine pills, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The estimated street value of drugs seized totals $52,000 CAD.

More than $11,500 in currency, believed to have been obtained through drug trafficking activity, was also seized.

Ryan LOUTTIT, 34, of Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

 

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Percocet for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

 

Patience Cassie Cedar KOOSTACHIN, 27, of Attawapiskat First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Percocet for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

Both appeared for a bail hearing on Friday, Oct. 4. KOOSTACHIN was remanded into custody with a future appearance date. LOUTTIT was released with conditions and a future court appearance date.  

TWO ARRESTED FOR ARSON THAT DESTROYED $500K IN HOME BUILDING MATTERIALS

(Cat Lake, ON) – Police have arrested two suspects in connection with an arson investigation of a July fire that led to the destruction of about half-a-million dollars worth of construction materials.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Cat Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service regarding a fire in the community in the morning hours of July 14, 2024.

Officers arrived at the scene in the 100 block of Back Road where they found a warehouse engulfed in flames.

Police assisted contractors in extinguishing the blaze, however, despite those efforts a significant quantity of building materials were completely destroyed.

The estimated damages total about $500,000, and the materials damaged were meant for home building that would have helped address some of the community’s ongoing housing challenges. 

Members of the NAPS Criminal Investigations Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation.

As a result of continued investigative efforts, the fire was treated as a case of arson. Two suspects were eventually identified.

Police located and arrested both suspect on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

A 19-year-old female from Cat Lake First Nation is charged with:

  • Arson – Damage to Property

A 14-year-old female from Cat Lake First Nation is charged with:

  • Arson – Damage to Property

The name of the youth is being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The name of the adult accused is being withheld out of concern that their identity may unintentionally help identify the youth accused.

Both suspects have been released from custody with conditions and future court appearance dates.

SEVEN CONNECTED TO MULTIPLE ASSAULTS ARRESTED, SIX RELEASED

(Attawapiskat, ON) –- Police in Attawapiskat arrested seven suspects Saturday, all of whom were connected to multiple violent assault investigations stemming from a series of incidents reported in the last two months.

The incidents being investigated by Nishnawbe Aski Police Service members working out of the Attawapiskat detachment occurred between Aug. 12 and Sept. 28.

Officers received a call for service for the most recent incident in the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept, 28. Police learned an assault had occurred involving seven accused individuals , with ages ranging from 13-years to 18-years old, who allegedly assaulted two people in an area on Tamarack Street.

One of the victims needed to be transported out of the community for further medical assessment and treatment. The exact extent of both victims’ injuries is unknown at this time, but are not believed to be life-threatening.

Through the course of their investigation, police identified, located and arrested all seven suspects. Police also linked a number of these suspects to other ongoing assault investigations.

Leo JACASUM, 18, of Attawapiskat First Nation, is charged with:

 

  • Assault with a Weapon x 2

 

A 15-year-old male from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

 

  • Assault with a Weapon x 2

 

He faces additional charges relating to two previous incidents, including:

 

  • Assault x 2

  • Assault Peace Officer

  • Mischief

  • Unlawful Assembly

  • Criminal Harassment

  • Uttering Threats

  • Disguise with Intent

  • Intimidation

 

A 15-year-old male from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

 

  • Assault with a Weapon x 2

 

He faces additional charges relating to four separate incidents. Those charges include:

 

  • Assault x 3

  • Failure to Attend Court

  • Unlawful Assembly

  • Intimidation

 

A 15-year-old male from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

 

  • Assault with a Weapon x 2

  • Failure to Comply with an undertaking

 

He faces additional charges relating to three other separate incidents. Those charges include:

 

  • Assault with a Weapon

  • Assault x 2

  • Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

  • Unlawful Assembly

  • Disguise with Intent

  • Intimidation

 

A 16-year-old male from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

 

  • Assault with a Weapon x 2

  • Failure to Comply with Undertaking

 

He faces additional charges relating to two other separate incidents. Those charges include:

 

  • Assault x 2

  • Mischief

 

A 13-year-old male from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

 

  • Assault with a Weapon x 2

  • Breach of Recognizance

 

A 17-year-old male from Attawapiskat First Nation is charged with:

 

  • Assault with a Weapon x 2



The names of the youth accused are withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

All suspects appeared for a bail hearing on Monday, Sept. 30.

Leo JACASUM has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date. All other accused have been released with future appearance dates.