Northern Ont. shelter-in-place order lifted, manhunt ends with one person in custody: OPP

A tense armed standoff in the Latchford and Temagami areas ended Sunday. OPP took a 34-year-old man into custody after he exchanged gunfire with officers.

An emergency alert, issued Friday evening, for the Latchford and Temagami North area of northern Ontario has been lifted by Ontario Provincial Police. Authorities said in an update posted to social media Sunday afternoon that one person is now in custody.

“Residents are no longer required to shelter in place and may safely resume regular activities,” said OPP, shortly before 4 p.m. on Sunday.

“The OPP thanks the public for their patience and cooperation throughout this incident.”

Police said the investigation in the area is still ongoing.

Highway 11 had been fully closed between Highway 65 in New Liskeard to Thibault Hill in North Bay, but has since reopened.

Up-to-date road conditions can be found online at 511on.ca

OPP advised that a significant police presence will remain in the area of Roosevelt Road as the investigation continues.

Authorities are also actively monitoring and responding to a forest fire located east of Highway 11, south of the northern intersection of Roosevelt Road.

OPP identify manhunt suspect

Saturday evening, OPP had identified Adam Craigen, 34, as an “armed and dangerous” suspect and the subject of a search in the area. Authorities also released a photo of Craigen at that time.

Police describe Craigen as an approximately 5′11″ (180 cm) man with a medium build and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a light beige or grey Tilley-style hat, dark brown clothing and carrying a military-style backpack.

Emgerency alert

The situation began on the evening of Oct. 3, when an emergency alert was issued stating an “individual armed with a long gun has entered a wooded area southeast of Latchford, Ont.”

The alert also warned of a heavy police presence and advised the public to stay clear.

Shelter-in-place order

Throughout the incident, police had consistently advised residents in the affected area to shelter in place, 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.

Road closures and police presence

The search has caused significant disruptions in the area.

Initially, the incident closed Highway 11 between Marcotte Avenue in Latchford and Highway 64. The highway, however, reopened Saturday morning with a heavy police presence remaining in the area.

Roosevelt Road remains fully closed off by police.

Ontario 511 Traveller Information Service issued a notice shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday that part of Highway 11 is again closed for a police investigation. The northern highway is closed between Highway 65 in New Liskeard and McLeod Avenue in Latchford.

Public cooperation, local impact

In each of their updates, the OPP has acknowledged the impact of the event on the community 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 in their initial news release.

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

“OPP would like to thank members of the public for their continued patience and cooperation as officers work to resolve this situation,” police said in a news release.

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

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.

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