Suspect in Manitoulin Island murder faces more charges
The man accused in connection with the shooting death of a Wiikwemkoong man earlier this year is facing two additional charges.
Tyran Armstrong, 18, of M’Chigeeng First Nation was arrested and charged this past February 19 with first-degree murder in the death of Brandon Trudeau Pheasant, 25, according to a release from the Manitoulin Island detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
As a result of the ongoing investigation, two additional charges were laid against Mr. Armstrong on June 29. One charge is for pointing a firearm, section 87 of the criminal code, and possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, contrary to section 95(1) of the criminal code.
As was previously reported, on February 19 shortly before 1:40 am, members of the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Services (WTPS), the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP, the Sagamok detachment of the Anishinabek Police Service and the UCCM Anishinaabe Police Services (UCCM) responded to a shooting on Hills Trail in Wiikwemkoong
Upon arrival, police learned that one person had been shot, and the suspect had fled the scene. The injured person died as a result of their injuries. A shelter in place of safety was initiated, but lifted once the suspect was in custody.
The accused is scheduled to appear virtually before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on July 12.
The OPP is appealing to anyone who may have information related to this investigation to call the Manitoulin OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit information online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Manitoulin OPP charge two motorists with impaired driving
The Manitoulin detachment of the OPP has laid 37 impaired driving charges since January 1, 2023. This comes after two more persons were charged recently.
On July 2, shortly before 11:30 pm, Manitoulin OPP officers were conducting general law enforcement duties on Highway 6 in the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI).
The officers observed a vehicle cross into the oncoming lane and conducted a traffic stop. It was determined that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages and was arrested for impaired driving. The driver was then returned to the OPP Little Current detachment for further tests.
A young person, 16, from Wiikwemkoong was charged with operation of a vehicle while impaired-alcohol and drugs, and operation while impaired-blood alcohol concentration of 80 plus.
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay later this month. The OPP will not be releasing the name of the accused under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
On July 4, shortly after 12:30 am, Manitoulin OPP was conducting general law enforcement duties on Highway 17 in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township. The officer observed a vehicle travelling over 185 kilometres per hour (km/h) in a posted 90 (km/h) zone. The driver failed to stop the vehicle when signaled by police.
Police located the vehicle a short time later at a gas station in Sudbury and arrested the driver. It was determined that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages and was returned to the detachment for further tests.
Jonathan Rowbotham, 35, from Carlisle was charged with stunt driving, excessive speed, fail to stop for police, dangerous operation, operation while impaired, alcohol and drugs and failure or refusal to comply with a demand.
The accused was released and scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on August 21.
Drivers are reminded that no amount of alcohol or drugs in your system is safe when driving. If you plan on drinking or consuming drugs, plan not to drive. Instead, arrange for a designated driver or take a taxi.
If you observe a suspected impaired driver, please call 911 immediately and report it.
Manitoulin resident charged in two vehicle collision near Sudbury
A Wiikwemkoong resident has been charged by the OPP in relation to an accident involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle on Highway 17, near Sudbury.
The OPP report that police and fire personnel responded shortly after 4:30 pm to a collision a few kilometres away from the southwest bypass in Greater Sudbury on Wednesday, July 5. The mishap involved a pickup truck and a motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle was transported to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
Highway 17 was closed in both directions for about an hour during the investigation, the police report. A 62-year-old resident of Wiikwemkoong was charged with careless driving causing bodily harm.
The accused was not named in the OPP release.
