DRYDEN – Crime – Dryden Police have made an arrest in a case that demonstrates the growing power of social media. A twenty-two year old from Geraldton has been arrested. Christopher Donylyk has been charged with assault, and will be in court in Sioux Lookout on March 22 2013.

Dryden Police make arrest in social media case

The short video initially posted online on Facebook generated a great deal of commentary. That interaction over the video apparently led to Donylyk coming forward to make himself known to Dryden Police. The arrest came late Thursday.

Two independent witnesses from Dryden that were previously not known and observed the assault have also come forward. There were individuals from across Northwestern Ontario and Minnesota who contacted Dryden Police in this case to offer assistance.

The police would like to thank everybody that has come forward in a positive manner to aid in the investigation.

Power of social media

The growing power of social media is something that is often used by progressive police services, as the public using social media in the region is quite extensive.  

In Northwestern Ontario, there are tens of thousands of people online. There are almost 70,000 Facebook accounts in Thunder Bay, 5820 in Sioux Lookout, 5980 in Dryden, and 9670 in Kenora. 

The online video generated a fair number of views initially on Youtube after it was placed on Facebook.

The discussion spread to both Geraldton and to Pikaganikum where individuals made the information available to police.

The initial report to Dryden Police was made by a long-time Dryden resident who was at the Dryden McDonalds restaurant where the incident reportedly happened. 

Assault at the McDonalds at Highway 17 in Dryden, Ontario by netnewsledger

This investigation has resulted in some of social media banter with racial undertones and accusations. The Dryden Police Service would like the public to know that this investigation has resulted in leads that have come in from across all of Northwestern Ontario and into Minnesota. “The people that have called with tips are both Aboriginal and non Aboriginal, all hoping to solve this incident, and are commended for their courage to come forward,” commented Dryden Chief of Police Robert Davis.