RED LAKE – NEWS – On June 6 at approximately 5:45 pm CDT, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Red Lake Detachment were notified of a flight that was being diverted to Red Lake Airport due to an unruly passenger.
The flight had taken off in Sioux Lookout and was headed to Pikangikum before being diverted to Red Lake.
The OPP investigation revealed that the accused had physically assaulted passengers on board the flight, refused to follow directions from airline staff and endangered the aircraft.
One of the pilots along with other passengers were forced to restrain and subdue the accused until the aircraft could be landed safely. The accused was physically injured during the altercation.
Upon their arrival, officers arrested the accused and requested that Northwest EMS attend the scene. It was determined that the injuries were non-life threatening. Police transported the individual to hospital.
Torrey TURTLE, 33 of Pikangikum First Nation was arrested for:
· Assault contrary to section 266 of the Criminal Code
· Assault Peace officer contrary to Section 270(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
· Resist Police contrary to Section 129(1) of the Criminal Code
He was released to the hospital for medical treatment. This investigation continues and an update will be provided at a later date.
Wasaya Airways states, “On June 6th, a passenger became disruptive on Wasaya Airways Flight 765 from Sioux Lookout to Pikangikum and Deer Lake, forcing a diversion to Red Lake. Subsequent the diversion, the disruptive passenger assaulted Wasaya employees and other passengers before being restrained”.
“The passenger in question was removed from the aircraft by law enforcement and taken into custody in Red Lake. This matter remains under active investigation. The safety and security of our passengers and crews is of the utmost importance at Wasaya Airways.”
