Two charged with attempted murder on Manitoulin Island

Two Manitoulin Island men face attempted murder charges after an armed confrontation in M'Chigeeng.

Two men are facing multiple charges – including attempted murder, after a confrontation involving a rifle on M’Chigeeng First Nation earlier this month.

The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service said officers responded to a firearms complaint at a residence on Riverside Drive on June 12, following reports of an armed confrontation involving several individuals.

Initial investigation

Police said officers secured the scene upon arrival and began an investigation that determined a local man had attended the residence and become involved in an altercation with people there.

“It is alleged that (he) subsequently returned armed with a rifle, threatened two individuals, pointed the firearm at them and discharged the firearm in their direction,” said police in a news release June 23.

According to police, one victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by projectile fragments.

As a result of the investigation, the local man is charged with attempted murder using a firearm, two counts of pointing a firearm, recklessly discharging a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm and two counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

Second suspect charged

Police said their investigation further revealed that the firearm involved is believed to belong to another man, a resident of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands.

“Police determined that neither accused was authorized to possess firearms and that the firearm had allegedly been stored in an unsafe manner,” the service wrote in the release.

As a result, the second man has been charged with attempted murder using a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm and careless storage of a firearm.

Both accused were located and taken into custody on Riverside Drive in M’Chigeeng First Nation.

The investigation involved a coordinated response by frontline patrol officers and specialized members of the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service, including its canine unit, along with assistance from Ontario Provincial Police.

“UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service reminds the public that the charges have not been proven in court. All accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law,” the service said.

Both men were held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Carrie Spry of the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service at 705-377-7135 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously using incident number UF26001759.