Emergency alert, road closures in northern Ont. town, armed and dangerous suspect sought: OPP

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OPP release description of armed, dangerous suspect at large in northern Ont.

Armed, dangerous person prompts police manhunt in northern Ont.

Armed suspect prompts Highway 11 closure, shelter-in-place order

An emergency alert was issued for the Temagami North and Latchford area Friday evening after Ontario Provincial Police received a report of an armed and dangerous individual.

OPP are responding to the incident on Roosevelt Road.

“A heavy police presence is in the area and those in the vicinity should stay away from Roosevelt Road,” police said in a news release.

“Individual armed with a long gun has entered a wooded area southeast of Latchford, Ont.,” read the initial emergency alert.

Public told to shelter immediately

Police issued a series of urgent instructions for members of the public in the affected area, advising them to take immediate precautions for their safety.

Those in the area are asked to:

• If you are outside, seek shelter immediately. Secure your safety inside a building or another secure location.
• If you are inside a building, stay there and lock all doors and windows.
• If you encounter the suspect, do not engage or approach. Dial 911 immediately to advise police.
• If possible, close your curtains to avoid drawing attention to yourself or your family.
• If you are driving, proceed to your location. Do not make unnecessary stops. As soon as you arrive at your location, enter and immediately lock your doors.
• Do not engage with anyone suspicious.
• Follow any and all directions from officers on scene.

“Individuals not currently in the affected area are requested to avoid travelling there until further notice,” police said.

Suspect’s description

In a second news release, OPP described the suspect at large. The man is described as approximately 5′11″ (180 cm) tall with a medium build and blue eyes.

The suspect was last seen wearing a light beige or grey Tilley-style hat, dark brown clothing and carrying a military-style backpack.

Road closures

The police operation initially closed Highway 11 between Marcotte Avenue in Latchford and Highway 64 – however, the roadway has since reopened. Ontario 511’s Traveller Information Service indicated the highway reopened shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, and police confirmed the roadway was opened in an update posted to social media shortly before 9:30 a.m.

Roosevelt Road remains fully closed.

Impact of the alert

OPP acknowledged the disruptive and frightening nature of the situation for local residents as a similar situation unfolded in the community in March 2024.

“We recognize the significant emotional impact that receiving an emergency alert can cause,” police said.

“OPP is taking every precaution necessary to resolve this situation.”

Police said members of the public can expect an increased police presence as the investigation continues.

“We ask all members of the public to take actions to protect their safety while police work to apprehend the individual,” OPP said.

In the OPP update posted to social media shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday, OPP confirmed the search for “an armed and dangerous individual” continues in the Latchford and Temagami North area and those in the area are advised to continue to shelter in place.

“We appreciate your understanding and encourage everyone to avoid the affected area until further notice,” said police.

Authorities confirmed that “further information will be released as it becomes available.”

Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

OPP also advised that in an emergency, the public should always call 911.

Check back to CTVNorthernOntario.ca for updates on this developing story.