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.

POLICE ARREST FOUR, SEIZE FENTANYL AND FIREARMS IN MOOSE FACTORY

(Moose Factory, ON) –  Police arrested four suspects and seized more than $50,000 worth of illicit drugs following the search of two homes in Moose Factory First Nation this weekend.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit executed a pair of search warrants at two residential addresses in Moose Factory First Nation between Saturday, Sept. 28, and Sunday, Sept. 29.

The search warrants were obtained as a result of ongoing investigations into drug trafficking activity within Moose Factor First Nation.

As a result of the first search, police located and seized a quantity of suspected fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, Oxycontin, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Two suspects linked to this investigation were arrested without incident.

As a result of the second search, police located and seized a quantity of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, Lorazepam pills, morphine capsules, codeine, two firearms, prohibited non-firearm weapons, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Two suspects connected with this investigation were arrested without incident.

The estimated street value of narcotics seized totals more than $50,000 CAD.

An 18-year-old female from Moose Factory First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Codeine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Lorazepam for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Morphine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Buprenorphine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Careless Storage of a Firearm

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon x 3

A 24-year-old male from Cochrane, Ont., is charged with:

·         Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Codeine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Lorazepam for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Morphine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Buprenorphine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Careless Storage of a Firearm

·         Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon x 3

A 32 female from Moosonee, Ont., is charged with:

·         Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

A 40-year-old male from Moose Factory First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

All accused in this matter have been released with conditions and future court appearance dates.

Names of the accused are withheld until charges have been formally sworn in before the courts.

NAPS SEIZES CRYSTAL METH FOLLOWING ARREST IN KASHECHEWAN

(Kashechewan, ON) – Police arrested a 20-year-old male Friday, Sept. 20, and seized a significant quantity of methamphetamine following a drug trafficking investigation in Kashechewan First Nation.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Kashechewan First Nation detachment were dispatched to the community airport to detain a male suspect believed to be in possession of illicit drugs.

The arrest was part of an ongoing investigation by members of the NAPS Northeast Intelligence Unit into drug trafficking activity within Kashechewan First Nation.

A male suspect was located and taken into custody without incident. 

As a result of continued investigation, police located and seized a quantity of suspected methamphetamine pills, crystal methamphetamine, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The estimated street value of narcotics seized totals $30,000 CAD.

Harrison WYNNE, 20, of Kashechewan First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Methamphetamine (pills) for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

NAPS AWARDS & SERVICE RECOGNITION CEREMONY

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Select members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service were honoured for outstanding service at a special ceremony Thursday.  

The 2024 NAPS Awards and Service Recognition Ceremony was held in the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Delta hotel in Thunder Bay. During the ceremony a number of officers received special honours for outstanding service, while others received formal recognition awards for years of service.

The winners of the 2024 Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Awards include:

• Civilian of the Year – Dante Lagrange

• Officer of the Year – Cst Abigail Couce

• Lifesaving Award – Cst. Abigail Couce; Cst. Rob Soliman

• Investigation of the Year – Fort Hope Team of Cst. Gina White; Cst. Dylan Vickruck; Cst. Christian Kim; Cst. Kienan Shortt & Sandy Lake Officers with Drug Enforcement Unit of D/Cst. Eric Rego; Sgt. Matt Dugas; Cst. Luke Fehr; Cst. Alex Tavares

• Coach Officer Wilfred Chum Award – Cst. Gary Desgroseilliers

• Community Service Alex Missewace Award – Cst. Bryan Halcro

• Community Based Officer – Cst. Darryl Chapman

• NCO Sgt. of the Year – Sgt. Jesse Einarson

• Chief Citation for Public Award – Matthew Gull; Tara Sloss

Cst. Couce and Cst. Soliman received the prestigious life-saving award for their efforts during a Jan. 15, 2023, incident in Kashechwan First Nation. The two officers responded to a call for service after receiving vague reports about someone bleeding.

The pair attended the residence, but received no response when they knocked on the door. Due to numerous factors, the two officers realized there was a high likelihood the safety of the male inside was in immediate jeopardy.

Officers entered, searched the home, and eventually found the severely injured male. He still appeared to have a pulse. Had officers not arrived when they did, the outcome would have been far more tragic. The quick thinking and resilience of these officers certainly led to the man’s life being saved.

Meanwhile, the Fort Hope team, and Sandy Lake team with the Drug Enforcement Unit, received the awards for Investigative Excellence.  

Officers in Fort Hope received reports of a fire at the local school on Jan. 25, 2023. A violent explosion had blown out the building’s windows, and officers quickly responded to help restore community safety. What followed was a complex investigation that utilized social media, and interviews.

The fire was eventually confirmed to be a case of arson. This investigation has also received recognition by the First Nation Chiefs of Police Association (FNCPA). That award committee has determined these officers should be awarded the FNCPA President’s Commendation.

The Sandy Lake officers and Drug Unit were recognized for their ongoing and aggressive efforts to combat the increasing level of drugs coming into Sandy Lake First Nation.

In 2023, a special project led to the execution of 10 search warrants in the community, which resulted in 18 arrests, five firearm seizures, more than $70,000 in controlled substances seized, and an additional $50,000 in cash being seized.

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Awards & Service Recognition Ceremony is an annual event. NAPS is responsible for policing 34 First Nation communities across Ontario.

KASHECHEWAN YOUTH CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

(Kashechewan, ON) – Police arrested a 16-year-old female Saturday following an alleged stabbing incident in Kashechewan First Nation.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers working out of the Kashechewan detachment were dispatched to a residential address in the afternoon hours of Saturday, Sept. 14, following reports of an assault that had just occurred.

When police arrived on scene they located an adult female who appeared to have sustained injuries from a recent assault. The victim was transported to the nursing station for further evaluation and treatment of her injuries. The injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

Through their investigation, police learned a youth accused had arrived at the home that afternoon and confronted the victim. During this confrontation, the youth is alleged to have assaulted the victim with a knife.

The victim and accused are known to each other.

The accused was located and taken into custody later that day without incident.

A 16-year-old female from Kashechewan First Nation is charged with:

·         Aggravated Assault

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

She appeared for a bail hearing on Sunday, Sept. 15 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.

KINGSTON MAN ARRESTED IN SANDY LAKE, FAKE ID AND CASH SEIZED

(SANDY LAKE, ON) – A Kingston man arrested amid a drug trafficking investigation in Fort Severn in 2023 faces new charges after he was found in Sandy Lake with a significant sum of cash and a fake driver’s licence. 

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Sandy Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service about a suspicious male using a possible fake identity to board a flight in the evening hours of Monday, Sept. 9.  

When officers arrived, they quickly identified the male as being a suspect connected to a 2023 incident in Fort Severn. His identity contradicted the information he gave to board the flight.

Further investigation revealed the male was in possession of forged documents – fake driver’s licence – and about $50,000 CAD suspected to have been obtained through criminal activity.

He was arrested and taken into custody without further incident.

Simon VAN, 28, of Kingston, Ont., is charged with:

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

·         Use, Deals, Acts on Forged Document x 2

·         Obstruct Peace Officer

·         Failure to Comply with Release Order

The release condition was linked to a separate charge of Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, which was laid by NAPS in May of 2023 following an incident in Fort Severn First Nation.

The accused appeared in bail court on Tuesday, Sept. 10 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

MALE ACCUSED ARRESTED AFTER WEEKEND STABBING IN FORT SEVERN

(Fort Severn, ON) – Police in Fort Severn First Nation arrested a male suspect Sunday in connection with an ongoing stabbing investigation in that community.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Fort Severn Frist Nation detachment received a call for service in the evening hours of Saturday, Sept. 7, regarding a possible stabbing incident.

Police located an injured male victim at the community nursing station and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the apparent assault. Police learned the victim’s injuries were consistent with multiple stab wounds.

The victim has since been transported to Thunder Bay for further evaluation and treatment of their injuries. The exact extent of the injuries is unknown, but are believed to be serious.

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

As a result of continued investigation, police identified a male suspect. He was located and arrested without incident in the afternoon hours of Sunday, Sept. 9.

Charles Benny THOMAS, 31, of Fort Severn First Nation, is charged with:

·         Aggravated Assault

He appeared for a bail hearing on Monday, Sept. 9 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date. The investigation remains ongoing.

POLICE LOCATE BELONGINGS OF ELDERLY THEFT VICTIM, ARREST SUSPECT

(Aroland, ON) – A woman observed driving a pick-up truck without plates or insurance in Nakina, Ont., Saturday was arrested after police connected her to a theft investigation involving an elderly man in a wheelchair.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Aroland First Nation detachment received a call for service in the late morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 7 regarding a theft that had recently occurred.

Police learned an elderly man received a visitor at his home Saturday morning. During this visit, a 38-year-old female accused entered the victim’s bedroom, retrieved a bag of his belongings, and fled.

The victim is in his 70s and makes use of a wheelchair, which made him uniquely vulnerable to this theft. Victim and accused were known to each other.

About 30 minutes later, NAPS officers located the accused in Nakina, Ont., driving a pick-up truck without licence plates. Police conducted a traffic stop before completing the arrest without incident.

Police learned the accused had allegedly attempted, but failed, to use the victim’s bank debit card. The items were located and seized from the pick-up truck.  

A 38-year-old female of Aroland First Nation is charged with: Theft Under $5,000; Operating a Motor Vehicle without Insurance; Driving a Motor Vehicle without Plates; Driving a Motor Vehicle without a Permit. 

She was released from custody in the afternoon hours of Saturday, Sept. 7, with conditions and a future court appearance date.  The names of accused are withheld until charges have been formally sworn before the courts.

MALE CHARGED AFTER INCIDENT WITH REPLICA HANDGUN

(Attawapiskat, ON) – Police arrested a male after he pointed a replica firearm at another male at a community pool hall Friday evening.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Attawapiskat First Nation detachment received a call for service in the evening hours of Friday, Aug. 30 regarding a male with handgun at a pool hall on Main Street West.

When officers arrived, they observed a male suspect being held down by civilians. Officers took control of the situation and completed the arrest without further incident.

Police learned a male suspect had entered the pool hall armed with an apparent handgun, and then pointed it at an individual. A number of civilians intervened and successfully disarmed the accused.

The firearm was seized by police, at which point it was confirmed to be a replica Glock-style handgun.

No injuries were reported as a result of this altercation.

Keegan WHEESK, 18, of Attawapiskat First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Careless Use of a Firearm

·         Pointing a Firearm

He appeared for bail court on Saturday, Aug. 31, and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

YOUTH ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

(ATTAWAPISKAT, ON) – Police arrested a male youth for assault with a weapon following an incident inside an Attawapiskat First Nation home Friday afternoon.  

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Attawapiskat First Nation detachment received a call for service regarding a disturbance at a residence in the afternoon hours of Friday, Aug. 30.

When police arrived, they learned an altercation had occurred inside the home between a male youth and an adult male. During this altercation, the youth brandished a knife toward the victim before fleeing the scene.

The accused and victim were known to each other.

Police located the accused in the area that same afternoon. He was taken into custody without incident.

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

·         Assault with a Weapon

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Failure to Comply with Release Order x 2

The accused appeared for bail court on Saturday August 31, and was Released with a future appearance date.

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

MALE ARRESTED AFTER HOUSE FIRE IN SACHIGO LAKE FIRST NATION

(Sachigo Lake, ON) – Police have arrested a male suspect connected to an arson investigation, which began after a home was destroyed by a fire Tuesday.  

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers working out of the Sachigo Lake First Nation detachment observed a structural fire in the community in the evening hours of Tuesday, Aug. 27.

When officers arrived at the scene, they rushed toward the burning home in an effort to ensure all occupants had been safely evacuated. They were forced to retreat due to the intensity of the blaze.

Fire crews on scene worked to supress the spread of the fire as officers continued to search the area to locate occupants.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, but the structure was a total loss.

Members of the NAPS Crime Units became involved in the ongoing arson investigation.

As a result of continued investigation, a male suspect was identified, located, and taken into custody without incident on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Kenneth Jeremy Sam TAIT-QUILL, 29, of Sachigo Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Arson – Damage to Property

·         Arson – Disregard for Human Life

He appeared in bail court on Friday, Aug. 30 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

DRUGS, FIREARM SEIZED AMID INVESTIGATION IN CONSTANCE LAKE

(Constance Lake, ON) – Police seized about $30,000 worth of drugs and arrested two suspects following a search of a Constance Lake First Nation home Tuesday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit and Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a residential address on Machitch Crescent in Constance Lake First Nation in the evening hours of Tuesday, Aug. 27.

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

Following the search, police located and seized a quantity of Crystal Methamphetamine, OxyContin pills, Methamphetamine pills, Hydromorphone pills, cash, a firearm, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The estimated street value of narcotics seized totals more than $30,000CAD.

The investigation identified a female and two male suspects. All three were located and arrested without incident in the evening hours of Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Curtis BUNTING, 40, of Constance Lake First Nation is charged with:

·         Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of OxyContin for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Hydromorphone for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

·         Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

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

·         Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order

·         Failure to Comply with Release Order

Kimberly BAXTER, 33, of Constance Lake First Nation is charged with:

·         Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of OxyContin for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Hydromorphone for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

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

·         Fail to Comply with Undertaking

Wilfred Victor SUTHERLAND, 64, of Constance Lake First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking.

BUNTING and BAXTER both appeared for bail court on Wednesday, Aug. 28 and were remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

SUTHERLAND was released with conditions and a future appearance date.

YOUTH ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

(Kasabonika Lake, ON) – A 17-year-old male has been charged with aggravated assault after another teen was left seriously injured following a recent incident.  

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Kasabonika Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service about an injured male near the outdoor hockey rink in the early morning hours of Friday, Aug. 23.

When police arrived, they could not locate a male victim. However, they later learned a 17-year-old male was receiving treatment at the nursing station for serious injuries.  

An investigation revealed the injured youth had been involved in an altercation with another 17-year-old male. During this altercation, the victim sustained serious injuries following an alleged assaulted by the male suspect.

The victim was transported to Thunder Bay for further medical evaluation and treatment. The victim remains in the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.   

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

A male suspect was identified, located, and taken into custody without incident on Sunday, Aug. 25. A 17-year-old male from Kasabonika Lake First Nation is charged with:

·         Aggravated Assault

·         Failure to Comply with Undertaking

The youth appeared in court on Monday, Aug. 26 and was remanded into custody with a future court appearance date.

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

COCAINE SEIZED FOLLOWING SEARCH OF KASABONIKA LAKE HOME

(KASABONIKA LAKE, ON) – Police arrested a 44-year-old Kasabonika Lake Fist Nation woman after the search of a home led to the seizure of a quantity of cocaine Thursday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit and Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a home and vehicle in Kasabonika Lake First Nation in the late morning hours of Thursday, Aug. 22.

The search warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in that community. Following the search, police seized a quantity of cocaine, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

A female suspect was identified and located later that day at a different location in the community. She was taken into custody without incident.    

A 44-year-old woman from Kasabonika Lake First Nation is charged with:  

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

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

The accused has been released from custody with conditions and a future appearance date.

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

MALE ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF ASSAULT, ARSON

(Fort Albany, ON) – A 29-year-old Fort Albany man faces assault and arson charges following an incident inside a home Thursday afternoon.

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers attended a house a fire in Fort Albany in the afternoon hours of Thursday, Aug. 15. Firefighters and paramedics were also dispatched and on scene when officers arrived.  

Police learned a verbal altercation occurred within the home between a male suspect and multiple occupants earlier that afternoon.

The occupants of the home fled after the altercation became physical and the male suspect assaulted another adult male inside the home. The victim and accused are known to each other.

 Police also learned the male suspect is alleged to have started a fire inside the home following this incident.

 Following an investigation that included members of the NAPS Northeast Crime Unit, Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO), and the Office of the Fire Marshal, police located and arrested the male accused without incident on Thursday, Aug. 15. Charges of arson were formally applied on Saturday, Aug. 17.  

 Linden LAZARUS, 29, of Fort Albany First Nation is charged with:

·         Arson – Disregard for Human Life

·         Arson - Damage to Property

·         Assault

·         Failure to comply with release order x 2

The accused has appeared for bail court and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

KASABONIKA LAKE CHURCH FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION

(Kasabonika Lake, ON) – A fire that led to the complete destruction of Kasabonika Lake First Nation’s community church is under investigation.

An on-duty Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officer observed a fire at the church before 7 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11.

Community firefighters responded to the blaze with a water truck in an attempt to extinguish the fire. Despite those fire suppression efforts, the church was completely lost to the fire.

Members of the NAPS Criminal Investigations Branch, and police working out of the Kasabonika Lake First Nation detachment, are now involved in the continued investigation. 

The fire is being treated as a possible case of arson. No arrests have been made at this time.

If you have any information that could assist investigators please email Mario.Blasizzo@naps.ca. You can also submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com.