Manitoulin Island stabbing suspect was already supposed to be on house arrest

A 20-year-old woman was stabbed Friday on Manitoulin Island. A 19-year-old suspect, already under house arrest on violent-crime charges, now faces new charges.

A 19-year-old woman from Manitoulin Island faces multiple charges after a stabbing incident sent a 20-year-old woman to hospital last week.

Authorities said Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service and Manitoulin-Sudbury District Paramedic Services responded to the report of the attack in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on July 10.

Police said the victim was transported to hospital, where she was treated for her injuries and later released.

Search warrant executed

“As part of the investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a residence,” the Indigenous police service said in a news release.

Police said that during that search, two individuals who were wanted on unrelated warrants were located and taken into custody.

The suspect in the stabbing incident was arrested a short time later.

Accused already before courts

“At the time of the occurrence, the accused was before the courts on several violent-crime charges and was subject to a release order requiring her to remain under house arrest,” said police.

The 19-year-old Wiikwemkoong woman has been charged with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, obstructing police and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

Police leader voices concern

The tribal police chief said violent crime continues to have a significant impact on the community.

“It is concerning when individuals facing serious criminal charges are alleged to commit further offences while subject to court-ordered conditions,” said Police Chief Ron Gignac. “Our officers will continue to identify, arrest and bring offenders before the courts, with the safety of victims and the community remaining our highest priority.”

Our officers will continue to identify, arrest and bring offenders before the courts, with the safety of victims and the community remaining our highest priority, Gignac said.

Tips sought

The Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service also encouraged anyone with information about criminal activity to report it.

Tips can be submitted through the police service’s online reporting portal at wtps.ca or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.