Northern Ont. man charged after assault, pointing fake gun at police

An Ontario Provincial Police officer handcuffs an unknown male suspect in this undated image. (File photo/Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

A 28-year-old Fort Frances man is facing multiple charges, including assault and firearm-related offences, following a violent altercation that led to a confrontation with Ontario Provincial Police.

On July 12 at about 7 p.m., the local OPP detachment responded to reports of a domestic assault at a residence in Fort Frances, Ont. Police located the suspect, who allegedly pointed “what appeared to be a firearm” at officers before being arrested.

“Police de-escalated the male and he was arrested without incident and injury,” said OPP in a news release Sunday.

Investigators determined the man had assaulted two individuals inside the home.

As a result, he has been charged with two counts each of assault, assault by choking or strangling, and threats to cause bodily harm, as well as forcible confinement, possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose, and assaulting a peace officer with an imitation firearm. Additional charges include resisting arrest, mischief, and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

Authorities stated the investigation is ongoing and ask anyone with information related to the incident to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

The accused remains in custody pending a bail hearing in Thunder Bay on July 13.