Three victims attacked; suspect facing multiple charges
(Mishkeegogamang, ON) – A man has been arrested and charged following a violent assault involving bear spray that left three victims injured in Mishkeegogamang First Nation.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service from the Mishkeegogamang detachment responded to a call about an assault at a residence on James Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered that an adult male suspect had allegedly broken into the home and assaulted three individuals with bear spray.
Police quickly identified the suspect, Aaron Wayne Fox, 33, who was found walking along James Road. With assistance from officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Pickle Lake detachment, a high-risk arrest was conducted, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
Fox has been charged with the following:
- Three counts of Assault with a Weapon
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Break and Enter Dwelling
He appeared in court on Saturday, where he was remanded into custody. If convicted, Fox could face severe penalties, including prison time for each assault charge, as well as significant fines or further incarceration for possession of a weapon and breaking and entering. The investigation is ongoing, and the accused is expected to make another court appearance soon.
Potential Penalties:
- Assault with a Weapon: Punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Break and Enter: May result in life imprisonment if the offense involves a dwelling.
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose: Carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
The incident has raised concerns about the rise in violence involving bear spray, a substance not classified as a firearm but increasingly used in criminal activities across Ontario’s northern communities.
