Another Ottawa man has been charged in connection with the kidnapping of a 17 year old Thunder Bay youth. (His name will be released once he has appeared in court on August 25, 2016.)
He has been charged with the following:
- Kidnapping - c.c. 279.1.1(b)
- Assault – c.c. 266
- Uttering Threats – c.c. 264.1.1(a)
- Assault with a Weapon – c.c. 267(a)
- Non-compliance with a Probation Order – c.c.733.1(1)
The accused was initially arrested on August 15, 2016 at a residence in the 2000 block of Donald Street East. The investigation into the disappearance of the 17 year old was ongoing at that time. Investigators seized a .357 magnum handgun along with ammunition at the Donald Street location. Further investigation led to more charges against the accused for his alleged involvement in the Tupper Street kidnapping. He remains in custody with a court date of August 25, 2016.
These recent incidents and arrests underscore an ongoing threat to our community. Drugs continue to flow into Thunder Bay to perpetuate suffering and profit criminal organizations. This latest criminal enterprise, with origins outside of our jurisdiction, has raised the stakes by introducing more weapons and violence. While some may view drug dealing as an activity limited to a criminal subculture, we are running a real risk of this activity impacting public safety.
The enforcement effort is continuing. The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to evolve and adapt its response to this threat. As long as addictions continue to destroy lives and fuel demand for illicit drugs, Thunder Bay and northwestern Ontario will continue to be a lucrative drug market. This poses an ongoing drain on emergency responders and the community as a whole.