Local man charged, victim remains hospitalized after incident in Sagamok Anishinawbek First Nation

Police laid charges after a life-threatening assault in Sagamok Anishinawebek First Nation First Nation last week.

Ontario Provincial Police say one person has been charged following a “serious incident” in Sagamok Anishinawbek First Nation that left an individual with life-threatening injuries.

Officers with the Anishinawbek Police Service responded to a call in the First Nation community at about 3:45 p.m. on March 26.

“Upon arrival, officers located an individual with life-threatening injuries,” OPP said in a news release Wednesday.

The injured person was transported to hospital, where they remain.

“Police believe this is an isolated incident with no broader risk to public safety,” said OPP.

As a result of the investigation, a 32-year-old local man has been charged with aggravated assault and failing to comply with a release order.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Espanola on May 4.

Manitoulin OPP and the Anishinabek Police Service are continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.

“Further information will be released as it becomes available,” police said.

Acting OPP Sgt. Marty Tibault, in an email to CTV News, confirmed the incident was related to the heavy police presence in the First Nation community over the weekend.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.