Sunday, April 2, 2006

UNKNOWN MALE PERISHES IN ICE MISHAP

(Manitoulin, Ont.) – On Sunday April 2, 2006 at approximately 6:00 AM, a male was operating a green All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on the ice about 200 meters off the shore from Maple Point, in Billings Township, about 40 kms west of Little Current. The male was traveling alone on his ATV when it plunged through the ice along with the operator. At approximately 6:30 AM, a resident of Maple Point was awakened by the male’s cries for help and called the Billings & Aundeck Omni Kaaning Fire Depts., along with the Manitoulin OPP for assistance.

The Search and Rescue coordination center was notified and they were able to dispatch a helicopter from the United States Coast Guard to assist. When rescuers arrived on the scene, sadly the male had succumbed to the icy water. He was later pronounced dead by the coroner.

Manitoulin OPP are asking for the public’s assistance as the identity of the deceased man is unknown. He is described as a male in his late twenties or early thirties, approximately 5’ 9” tall, 160 lbs with dark hair and brown eyes. He was wearing dark pants and a blue sweater jacket. He was driving a green coloured ATV, make unknown at this time. Please call Manitoulin OPP with any possible information regarding the identity of this person.

The OPP Underwater Search & Recovery Unit has been called to attend to retrieve the submerged ATV. The investigation is continuing and the investigating officer is Sgt. Richard Rusticus.


Abandoned Firearms

On the 1st of April 2006, Sudbury OPP Officers arrested a male subject pursuant to the Mental Health Act, along Hwy 17 immediately east of Nairn Centre. At the time of his arrest, the subject was confused, disoriented, depressed and intimating he was going to injure himself.

At the time of his arrest he disclosed to the arresting officers that he had left his residence in Wawa in possession of three long guns and that he had discarded them along the highway between Wawa and Sault Ste Marie because he was afraid in his depressed state that he would harm himself with them. It was further determined over the course of the investigation that a recent loss of employment was a contributing factor to his depression.

He was found to be the owner of three firearms
1) Remington 12 gauge pump action model 870 Express Magnum shotgun serial #B040769M.
2) Remington .270 cal bolt action model 710 rifle, serial #71025613.
3) Franchi 12 gauge semi-automatic model 48A shotgun serial#153900.

The .270 cal rifle has been located by a member of the public and was turned over to Sault Ste Marie OPP. An extensive search by police of this area has failed to locate the remaining two firearms. It is our belief that the two outstanding firearms may have been picked up by members of the public.

The potential hazard to the public from an insecure firearm is of paramount concern to the Police and we are anxious to locate the two outstanding firearms.
Any persons having information or locating any of the above noted firearms are asked to surrender the firearms to their local Police agency and to contact the Sudbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police to the attention of Cst Brian Foreshew or Cst Lloyd Phillips. Ph: (705) 564-6900 or 1-888-310-1122.