TEENS ARRESTED AFTER ESTIMATED HALF-MILLION DOLLAR AIRPORT FIRE

(Webequie, ON) – Two teens face charges of arson and mischief after a fire led to an estimated half-a-million dollars in damages to the community airport terminal Saturday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Webequie First Nation detachment received a call for service in the evening hours of Saturday, April 26, regarding a structural fire in progress at the community’s airport terminal. 

When officers arrived, they observed and confirmed the terminal building to be on fire. Community firefighters were also dispatched to help put out the fire and stop it from spreading to nearby structures.

The fire was brought under control before 2 a.m. on Sunday April 27. The building sustained significant damage. The estimated value of that damage totals about $500,000 CAD.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Unit have attended the scene and are now involved in the ongoing investigation.

As a result of continued investigation, two youth suspects were identified.

One suspect was located and arrested without incident at a residential address within the community in the afternoon hours of Sunday, April 27.

The second suspect turned themselves in to police that same afternoon.

A 13-year-old male from Webequie First Nation is charged with:

• Arson – Damage to Property

• Mischief Over $5,000 x 2

A 13-year-old male from Webequie First Nation is charged with:

• Arson – Damage to Property

• Mischief Over $5,000 x 2

The identities of both accused are being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Both appeared for bail court on Monday, April 28 and were remanded into custody with future appearance dates.

UPDATE: ADDITIONAL HISTORIC SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES LAID

(Attawapiskat & Moosonee, ON) – Police have laid additional charges against an accused connected to an ongoing investigation into alleged historic sexual assaults.

As a result of continued investigation, members of the Nishnawbe Aski Poilice Service’s Crime Unit have laid new charges against accused George HOOKIMAW, 67, of Attawapiskat First Nation.

The new charges, which were laid after the accused was re-arrested on Wednesday, April 16, include:

• Sexual Interference

• Sexual Assault x 2

The investigation also revealed the accused is known by the nickname ‘Speedy.’

George ‘Speedy’ HOOKIMAW appeared for bail court on Thursday, April 17, and was released from custody with conditions and a future appearance date.

Members of the NAPS Crime Unit continue to investigate and believe there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.

If you believe you may have been a victim, or have information that could assist investigators, please call investigators at (705) 272-5600 ext. 103, or email Tanner.Charette@naps.ca or Bradley.Skrzypek@naps.ca.

Previously issued media release (March 21, 2025) attached for background and context

(Attawapiskat & Moosonee, ON) – Police arrested and charged a 67-year-old man connected to an ongoing investigation into historic sexual assaults in Attawapiskat First Nation and Moosonee.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Crime Unit began an investigation in November of 2024.

The investigation identified three victims, with alleged assaults occurring between 1971 and 1994. The victims were between the ages of four- and 17-years-old at the time of the incidents.

As a result of continued investigation, police arrested and charged George HOOKIMAW, 67, of Attawapiskat First Nation, on Tuesday, March 18. He now faces charges of:

• Indecent Assault x 3

• Gross Indecency x 3

• Sexual Assault x 2

• Sexual Exploitation  

He appeared for a bail hearing on Wednesday, March, 19 and was released with conditions and a future appearance date.

Members of the NAPS Crime Unit continue to investigate and believe there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.

If you believe you may have been a victim, or have information that could assist investigators, please call investigators at (705) 272-5600 ext. 103, or email Tanner.Charette@naps.ca or Bradley.Skrzypek@naps.ca.

PRESENTATION OF KING CHARLES III CORONATION COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS

(Thunder Bay, ON) – Four Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers received the King Charles III Coronation commemorative medals for outstanding community service work for delivering drug prevention and awareness programming to students across NAPS’ 34 communities.

Members of the NAPS Community Resource Team helped develop and deliver DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) programming. The program features a series of police officer-led classroom lessons that teach children, from Kindergarten to Grade 12, about resisting peer pressure while living productive drug, alcohol, and violence-free lives.

The program aims to provide students with constructive information so they can make informed life choices. NAPS’s DARE programming has been regularly requested by the First Nation and school leadership of the communities we police.

The community service these officers provide is credited with making significant and positive impacts on the lives of people in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Receiving the King Charles III Coronation commemorative medals are:

• Deputy Chief of Police Brad Duce

• Sgt. Robert MacPhail

• Cst. Mason Morriseau

• Cst. Miles Orakwelu

BACKGROUND

In April 2024 DARE Canada was invited by the Governor General Honours Secretariat Chancellory of Honours to partner in the Coronation Medal Program to honour the Coronation of King Charles III.

A nomination committee was formed and a list of nominations was examined through a very focused lens. It is the pleasure of Chief Armstrong to advise that four (4) members of Nishnawbe Aski Police Service were nominated to receive this honour.

QUOTES

“It is an honour for our members to be recognized by DARE for the work they do with youth in our communities. We are very proud of these officers for their ongoing contributions to both the DARE program and the communities we serve in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.”

– NAPS Chief of Police, Terry Armstrong

“DARE empowers youth with the knowledge and confidence to make safe, healthy choices and resist the pressures of drug and alcohol use. I am truly grateful to receive this medal, as it reflects the shared commitment to protecting youth in our communities through education and prevention. This medal serves as a reminder that the work we're doing really does make a difference in the communities we serve.”

– Cst. Mason Morriseau 

“Community policing fosters trust and collaboration between NAPS and NAN communities, creating a safer and more unified region. Programs like DARE empower NAN youth to make informed, safe choices and avoid substance misuse.

“It is a tremendous privilege to be awarded King Charles III's Coronation Medal, as it signifies heartfelt gratitude and acknowledgment of one's commitment and contributions. Thank you.”

– Cst. Miles Orakwelu

PICKUP TRUCK DRIVER STUCK IN SNOW ARRESTED FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING

(Kingfisher Lake, ON) – Police responding to reports of a pickup truck stuck in a snowbank led to a charge of impaired driving for the motorist found unconscious in the vehicle Wednesday.  

Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officers working out of the Kingfisher Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, regarding a pickup truck off the road near the community’s school.

When officers arrived at the scene they observed a grey pickup truck stuck in a snowbank across the from the school.

Officers approached the vehicle and located a male in the driver’s seat who showed signs of being impaired by alcohol. The male was unconscious when officers first approached.

As a result of continued investigation, the driver was taken into custody for suspected impaired driving.

A 19-year-old male from Kingfisher Lake First Nation is charged with:

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

He has since been released with conditions and a future court appearance date.

The names of accused individuals are withheld until charges against them have been formally sworn before the courts.

TWO TEENS ARRESTED AMID AGGRAVATED ASSAUT INVESTIGATION

(Fort Hope, ON) – Two teens face charges of Aggravated Assault following a violent incident inside a Fort Hope First Nation home Wednesday.

Police received a call for service in the morning hours of Wednesday, March 26, regarding an alleged assault that had recently occurred at a residential address in the community of Fort Hope First Nation.

An investigation revealed that numerous individuals were inside the home when a verbal altercation began between the victim and multiple accused. The altercation became violent, and the victim was allegedly assaulted by multiple assailants.

It is believed a blunt weapon was used during the assault.

The victim was later transported to Thunder Bay for further evaluation and treatment of their injuries. The exact extent of those injuries is unknown at this time, but they are not believed to be life-threatening.

 As a result of continued investigation, two youth suspects were identified. They were located and arrested without incident in the community of Fort Hope First Nation on Thursday, March 27.

A 16-year-old male of Fort Hope First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Aggravated Assault

• Failure to Comply with Release Order x 3

A 14-yar-old male of Fort Hope First Nation is charged with:

• Aggravated Assault

• Failure to Comply with Release Order x 2

Both appeared for a bail hearing on Friday, March 28, and were remanded into custody with a future court appearance date.

The names of the accused are being withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

FOUR ARRESTED, CRACK COCAINE SEIZED, IN KEEWAYWIN FIRST NATION

(Keewaywin, ON) – Police arrested four suspects, including a Hamilton man, following the search of a Keewaywin First Nation home Friday, which led to the seizure of crack cocaine.  

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit and Emergency Response Team, with assistance from NAPS frontline members working out of the Keewaywin First Nation detachment and a frontline member of the Sandy Lake First Nation detachment, executed a search warrant in the morning hours of Friday, March 21, at a residential address in Keewaywin First Nation.

Four suspects were located inside the home and arrested without incident.

A search of the home led to the seizure of a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, cash, knives, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Three suspects have since been released from custody with conditions and a future appearance date.

A fourth suspect – a 19-year-old male from Hamilton, Ont.—was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

A 29-year-old male from Keewaywin First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

A 25-year-old male from Keewaywin First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

A 36-year-old female from Keewaywin First Nation is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

Diego VAIDES-BONILLA, 19, of Hamilton, Ont., is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

The names of accused individuals are only released after charges have been sworn before the courts.

VAIDES-BONILLA appeared for a bail hearing on Saturday, March 22, and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

HISTORIC SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES LAID

(Attawapiskat & Moosonee, ON) – Police arrested and charged a 67-year-old man connected to an ongoing investigation into historic sexual assaults in Attawapiskat First Nation and Moosonee.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Crime Unit began an investigation in November of 2024.

The investigation identified three victims, with alleged assaults occurring between 1971 and 1994. The victims were between the ages of four- and 17-years-old at the time of the incidents.

As a result of continued investigation, police arrested and charged George HOOKIMAW, 67, of Attawapiskat First Nation, on Tuesday, March 18. He now faces charges of:

• Indecent Assault x 3

• Gross Indecency x 3

• Sexual Assault x 2

• Sexual Exploitation  

He appeared for a bail hearing on Wednesday, March, 19 and was released with conditions and a future appearance date.

Members of the NAPS Crime Unit continue to investigate and believe there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.

If you believe you may have been a victim, or have information that could assist investigators, please call investigators at (705) 272-5600 ext. 103, or email Tanner.Charette@naps.ca or Bradley.Skrzypek@naps.ca.

TWO ARRESTED, COCAINE SEIZED IN WEBEQUIE FIRST NATION

(Webequie, ON) – Police arrested two people following a drug trafficking investigation in Webequie First Nation this week.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit, and NAPS Emergency Response Team, executed a search warrant at a residential address in Webequie First Nation in the morning hours of Thursday, March 20.

The warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation by members of the NAPS Central Drug Enforcement Unit.

A search of the home led to the seizure of suspected cocaine, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Two suspects were located in the home, and taken into custody without incident.  

An 18-year-old male from Webequie First Nation, is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

A 43-year-old female from Webequie First Nation, is charged with:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

Both have been released from custody with conditions and future court appearance dates.

The names of accused individuals are withheld until charges against them have been sworn before the courts.

IMPAIRED MOTORIST ARRESTED AFTER DRIVING THROUGH STOP SIGNS

 (Kasabonika Lake, ON) – Police arrested a suspected impaired motorist after he was observed driving through stop signs in the community of Kasabonika Lake Wednesday evening.

A member of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Kasabonika Lake First Nation detachment was on general patrol in the community in the evening hours of Wednesday, March 5, when they observed a motorist driving a pick-up truck through stop signs without coming to a complete stop.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and approached the male driver.

During their interaction, the officer observed several signs the motorist was impaired by alcohol.

The officer completed an arrest of the accused after a brief struggle.

A 32-year-old male from Kasabonika Lake First Nation, is charged with:

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Impaired

• Obstruct Peace Officer

The accused has since been released from police custody with conditions and a future appearance date.

The names of accused individuals are withheld until charges against them have been formally sworn before the courts.

FATAL HOUSE FIRE IN SANDY LAKE FIRST NATION UNDER INVESTIGATION

(Sandy Lake, ON) – Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding a house fire and sudden death in Sandy Lake First Nations.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Sandy Lake First Nation detachment received a walk-in report at the detachment in the afternoon hours of Tuesday, Feb. 25, about a home on fire near the community’s Northern Store.

When police arrived on scene they observed the home to be completely engulfed in flames. Community firefighters also arrived on scene and worked to extinguish the blaze.

Police learned two people had escaped from the home, and were transported to the community nursing station for further evaluation and treatment of their injuries. Those injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

A third occupant remained unaccounted for.

Members of the NAPS Crime Unit are now involved in the continued investigation. Members of the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal, and OPP were also involved in the investigation.  

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, human remains were located at the scene. Investigators, with the assistance of the Coroner’s Office, are now working toward identifying the deceased.  

The investigation remains ongoing.

SANDY LAKE FIRST NATION MAN FACES AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGE

(Sandy Lake, ON) – Police arrested a male following a serious assault in Sandy Lake First Nation Thursday afternoon.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Sandy Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service in the afternoon hours of Thursday, Feb. 20 regarding a serious assault that had recently occurred at a residential address in the community.

When police arrived at the scene, they located an adult male victim who appeared to have serious injuries consistent with a recent assault.

The victim was transported to the community nursing station before being sent to a hospital in Winnipeg for further evaluation and treatment of their injuries. The exact extent of those injuries is unknown, but are not believed to be life-threatening.

As a result of continued investigation, police identified, located, and arrested a male suspect without incident.

Marek IGNACE, 18, of Sandy Lake First Nation, is charged with:

• Aggravated Assault

He appeared in court for a bail hearing on Friday, Feb. 21, and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

ASSAULT SUSPECT ARRESTED IN FORT SEVERN FIRST NATION

(FORT SEVERN, ON) – Police arrested a female suspect following an alleged stabbing incident in Fort Severn First Nation Friday morning.  

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Fort Severn First Nation detachment were dispatched to a residential address in the early morning hours of Friday, Feb. 21, following reports of a disturbance.

When officers arrived, they learned an alleged stabbing had taken place, and a male victim had been transported to the community nursing station for evaluation and treatment of injuries they sustained.

As a result of continued investigation, police identified a female suspect. The suspect was located and taken into custody within an hour of the initial call for service.

Janelle Tenecia BLUECOAT, 29, of Fort Severn First Nation, is charged with:

• Aggravated Assault

• Failure to Comply with Undertaking x 3

She appeared in court for a bail hearing on Friday, Feb. 21, and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

ASSAULT SUSPECT ARRESTED IN WEBEQUIE FIRST NATION

(Webequie, ON) – Police arrested a male following a stabbing incident in Webequie First Nation earlier this week.  

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Webequie First Nation detachment were dispatched to an area near the community’s school in the afternoon hours of Tuesday, Feb. 18 following reports of a disturbance possibly involving weapons.

When police arrived at the scene, they learned a stabbing incident had allegedly occurred and that a victim had been transported to the nursing station for further evaluation and treatment of injuries they sustained.

The exact extent of the victim’s injuries is unknown, but are believed to be serious but non-life threatening.

As a result of continued investigation, police identified a male suspect.

The suspect turned himself in to police in the afternoon hours of Wednesday, Feb. 19.

Kurtis Shawn Ernest SHEWAYBICK, 31, of Webequie First Nation, is charged with:

• Assault with a Weapon

• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

He appeared in bail court on Thursday, Feb. 20 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

COCAINE SEIZED AMID SEARCH IN KEEWAYWIN FIRST NATION

(Keewaywin, ON) – Police arrested three people, including a Winnipeg man, after seizing cocaine and cash from a home in Keewaywin First Nation Friday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit and Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a residential address in Keewaywin First Nation in the morning hours of Friday, Jan. 31.

The warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking activity within the community of Keewaywin First Nation.

As a result of their search, police located and seized a quantity of suspected cocaine, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

Three suspects, including a male from Winnipeg, was located and arrested at the scene without incident.

Habte TEGEGNA, 26, of Winnipeg, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

Kyler Kris KAKEKAGUMICK, 27, of Keewaywin First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

Lexus FROGG, 22, of Keewaywin First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

FROGG and KAKEKAGUMICK were released with conditions and a future appearance date. TEGEGNA appeared in court for a bail hearing on Feb. 1 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

TWO ARRESTED FOLLOWING BREAK-IN AND ASSAULT

(Aroland, ON) – Two suspects have been arrested following a recent break-and-enter and sexual assault incident in Aroland First Nation.  

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Aroland First Nation detachment received a call for service in the afternoon hours of Tuesday, Jan. 28, regarding a break-and-enter and destruction to property at a residential address.

An investigation revealed that masked male suspects had entered the home through forced entry in the early morning hours of Jan. 28.

While inside the home, the suspects attacked and sexually assaulted a male resident and destroyed their property.

As a result of continued investigation, police identified, located and arrested two suspects on Thursday, Jan. 30.  

Robert BOUCHER, 45, of Aroland First Nation, is charged with:

·         Break and Enter a Dwelling House with Intent to Commit Indictable Offence

·         Mischief Under $5,000

·         Sexual Assault with a Weapon

·         Forcible Confinement

·         Disguise with Intent

Darryl Joseph Ricky NATE, 22, of Aroland First Nation, is charged with  

·         Break and Enter a Dwelling House with Intent to Commit Indictable Offence

·         Mischief Under $5,000 x 2

·         Sexual Assault with a Weapon

·         Forcible Confinement

·         Disguise with Intent

Both appeared for a bail hearing on Friday, Jan. 31, and were remanded into custody with future court appearance dates.

The investigation remains ongoing.

SPIKE IN CYBERBULLYING MAJOR CONCERN WITHIN NORTHERN COMMUNITIES

(Thunder Bay, ON) – The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is issuing a public safety advisory about ongoing and increasing incidents of cyberbullying.  

In recent weeks, NAPS has observed an apparent spike in incidents related to cyberbullying in many of the 34 Northern Ontario communities it serves. This is incredibly alarming, especially because of the known links between cyberbullying and youth suicide.

The public has become more aware of this connection following the highly publicized and tragic case of Amanda Todd, who faced intense cyberbullying before she died to suicide in 2012.  

Suicide rates are an estimated six times higher for First Nations youth compared to non-Indigenous youth in Canada. In remote and far north communities, these rates are believed to be 11 times higher.

NAPS would like to encourage parents, teachers, and guardians to speak to their children about cyberbullying and its potentially tragic consequences.

If you believe your child is a victim of cyberbullying, please report it to your community’s NAPS detachment.

These incidents will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

POLICE SEIZE METHAMPHETAMINE, ARREST TWO IN ATTAWAPISKAT

(Attawapiskat, ON) – Police arrested two suspects and seized suspected methamphetamine pills and crystal methamphetamine following the search of a home in Attawapiskat First Nation Friday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service’s Intelligence Unit, with assistance from front-line officers working out of the Attawapiskat detachment, NAPS Emergency Response Team, members of the OPP, and the Timmins Police Service’s Drug Enforcement Unit, executed a search warrant at a residential address in the community of Attawapiskat First Nation in the morning hours of Friday, Jan. 10.

The warrant was obtained as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking activity from that address.

When officers entered the home, they located and arrested two suspects without incident.

As a result of their search, police located and seized a quantity of suspected methamphetamine pills, crystal methamphetamine, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The estimated street value of drugs seized totals more than $35,000 CAD.  

Jonathan TOOKATE, 44, of Attawapiskat First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000

Sarah TOOKATE, 76, of Attawapiskat First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

·         Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000

Sarah TOOKATE was released with conditions and a future court appearance date.

Jonathan TOOKATE appeared for a bail hearing on Saturday, Jan. 11 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

MAN INJURED AFTER FIGHTING OFF POLAR BEAR FROM ATTACKING WIFE

(Fort Severn, ON) – The man who leapt onto a polar bear to protect his wife from being mauled is recovering from serious injuries to his arm and legs, but is expected to recover.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Fort Severn First Nation detachment were dispatched to a residential address in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 3 following reports of gunfire.

Police were also made aware of a possible bear sighting in the same area.

When police arrived on scene they located a deceased polar bear and learned an adult male had been transported to the community nursing station to have his injuries assessed and treated.

Following an investigation, police learned a couple – an adult male and adult female – had exited their home before 5 a.m. to find their dogs. While in the driveway of their home, a polar bear lunged at the woman.

The woman slipped to ground as her husband leapt onto the animal to prevent its attack. The bear then attacked the male, causing serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his arm and legs.

During the attack, a neighbour arrived with a firearm and shot the bear several times. The bear retreated to a nearby wooded area where it died from its injuries.

Police continued to patrol the area to ensure no other bears were roaming the community.  

ONE ARRESETED AFTER STANDOFF IN MOOSE FACTORY

(Moose Factory, ON) – Police have arrested a male suspect following a standoff at a Moose Factory First Nation home Sunday.

A member of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Moose Factory First Nation detachment was on general patrol in the early afternoon hours of Sunday, Dec. 1 when they were made aware of a potential assault that had just occurred.

Police learned a male accused allegedly attempted to stab another male. Police identified a suspect, and observed him enter a home on Small Street in Moose Factory First Nation.

Police learned the accused was in possession of an edged weapon, and had barricaded himself inside the home. In an effort to maintain public safety, a containment area was established.

The accused eventually exited the home and was taken into custody before 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Nelson Paul SMALL, 43, of Moose Factory First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Assault with a Weapon

He appeared in bail court on Monday, Dec. 2 and was released with conditions and a future court appearance date.

MALE ARRESTED FOLLOWING FIREARM INCIDENT IN MOOSE FACTORY

(Moose Factory, ON) – Police arrested a male following an alleged incident involving a firearm in Moose Factory First Nation Saturday.

Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Moose Factory First Nation detachment received a call for service regarding an incident involving a firearm on Saturday, Nov. 30.

An investigation revealed a male suspect was possibly armed with a firearm inside a Moose Factory First Nation home. The suspect is alleged to have become violent and made threats to two other occupants of the home.

During this incident, it is alleged the accused pointed a firearm toward one of the victims.

The male suspect was located and taken into custody in the evening hours of Saturday, Nov. 30.

William WAPACHEE, 28, of Moose Factory First Nation, is charged with:

·         Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·         Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm

·         Pointing a Firearm

He appeared for a bail hearing on Sunday, Dec. 1, and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.