Manitoulin Island man charged following hours-long police standoff

A local man faces several charges after barricading himself with a weapon in a Wiikwemkoong residence on Saturday.

A 37-year-old man from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island is facing multiple charges after an overnight police operation that began on Saturday and ended with his arrest early Sunday morning.

The incident started on Saturday morning, when the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service (WTPS) responded to a report of a man with a weapon at a residence on Wakegijg Avenue.

Police said officers quickly established containment and enforced a perimeter around the area.

Tribal police received assistance from Ontario Provincial Police and the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) Anishnaabe Police Service – including the UCCM canine unit.

To ensure public safety and a peaceful resolution, the WTPS requested further assistance from specialized OPP units; including the emergency response team and crisis negotiation team.

“This incident highlights the strength of collaboration with our policing partners and the vital role our community plays in ensuring safety,” said WTPS Chief Ron Gignac, in a news release on Monday.

“We deeply appreciate the public’s cooperation during this high-risk situation. Together, we remain committed to keeping Wiikwemkoong safe for everyone.”

Suspect made threats against police

Throughout the hours-long incident, several occupants exited the residence safely.

“However, the male suspect remained barricaded inside and made threats toward police, including threats to discharge a firearm at responding officers,” police said.

The standoff concluded at approximately 1:09 a.m. on Saturday, when the suspect was safely taken into custody and transported to hospital as a precaution.

After being medically assessed and released, he was again taken into police custody.

Multiple criminal charges laid

The local man has been charged with:

• breaking and entering a dwelling house with intent to commit an indictable offence,
• being unlawfully in a dwelling house,
• trespassing at night,
• possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose,
• unauthorized possession of a firearm,
• uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm,
• mischief and
• failing to comply with a release order.

The accused appeared in bail court in Sudbury on Sept. 21 where his matter was adjourned to Monday at the Gore Bay courthouse on Manitoulin Island.

The WTPS encourages all community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through its website’s 24/7 reporting tool or Crime Stoppers.