IPV-related North Bay shooting leads to 3 arrests, 26 charges

A person sits on the floor in shadow with their head down in this undated image. (File photo/CTV News)

Police in North Bay, Ont., have charged three individuals with a total of 26 offences following a home invasion and shooting in the city’s First Avenue East area over the weekend that investigators say is connected to intimate partner violence.

The North Bay Police Service responded to the incident at about 8:25 a.m. on May 10 after receiving reports of a home invasion and a gunshot.

Police said officers determined that three co-accused attended a residence, where a “physical altercation” took place and during the altercation, police said a firearm was brandished and discharged.

A subsequent search warrant led to the seizure of a weapon.

Charges laid

The 26 charges against the three co-accused are:

• criminal harassment,
• spousal assault,
• uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (spousal),
• three counts of breaking and entering a dwelling house to commit an indictable offence,
• three counts of pointing a firearm,
• three counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm,
• three counts of knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm,
• three counts of discharging a firearm with intent,
• three counts of using a firearm while committing an offence
• two counts of disguise with intent,
• possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order and
• two counts of failing to comply with release order.

Police response

“This call for service required coordinated high-risk response, and our members acted quickly to bring all three individuals before the courts,” said Insp. Scott McFarlane in a news release Tuesday.

“We also recognize the serious nature of this incident, including its connection to intimate partner violence, and our focus remains on supporting the victims and those affected in preventing further harm.”

Three co-accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Ongoing investigation

Police said all parties involved are known to each other. The names of the accused will not be released in order to protect the identity of the victims.

“The investigation remains ongoing,” said police.

Given the nature of the occurrence and to ensure the integrity of the court process, the North Bay Police Service said there will be no further releases on this matter.

North Bay police urge anyone in an unsafe situation to contact the police or local support services such as Victim Services Nipissing at 705-472-2649 or the Nipissing Transition House at 705-476-2429.

Additional resources for assault survivors

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
• A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found at ReeseCommunity.com. Resources in your community can be found by entering your postal code.
• Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here.
• 24-hour crisis line: 1-416-597-8808
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
• National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone]
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
• Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: 1-844-750-1648

Read about your rights as a victim here.

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