A 26-year-old man has been arrested in Timmins for a series of violent offences – some involving a sawed-off shotgun -- that began in June. He was arrested Sept. 21 and charged with offences that began June 29 on Second Avenue. “A victim was confronted and assaulted, resulting in a charge of robbery with violence against the accused,” police said in a news release Thursday. Then on Aug. 23, police responded to reports of shots fired on Toke Street. “It is alleged that the accused discharged a shotgun in the direction of a victim during a disturbance,” police said. “The victim was not injured.” On Sept. 20 at around 2:15 p.m., police received a report about an attack in the area of Laidlaw Street. “The accused assaulted a victim while holding a knife,” police said. “The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.” In addition, between July and September, the man is accused of having multiple confrontations with the same victim. “These included pointing a sawed-off shotgun and demanding money, making threats while referencing a firearm and chasing the victim while uttering threats,” police said. The crime spree came to an end Sept. 21 around 9:02 a.m. when officers responded to a weapons-related call in the area of Laidlaw Street. “The accused was located and taken into custody without incident,” the release said. The man has been charged with more than two dozen crimes, including numerous weapons, assault and threats offences, as well as extortion. He is scheduled to appear at a bail hearing on Sept. 29 in the Ontario Court of Justice in Timmins. “These investigations demonstrate the commitment of our division to pursuing offenders who try to evade police,” acting Sgt. Kathryn Beatty said in the news release. “Our officers remained focused on gathering evidence and locating the accused, which ultimately allowed us to bring these matters before the courts. These were targeted incidents, and there is no concern for public safety.”
