(COUNTY OF BRANT, ON) – Members of the County of Brant Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to attend a shooting incident in a field near East River Road in the County of Brant at approximately 8:30 a.m. on November 3, 2015.
County of Brant OPP attended along with County of Brant Fire Service County of Brant Ambulance Service and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry officers. They found that a 65-year-old male from Timmins, Ontario was struck by a bullet that was shot by another member of his hunting party.
The male was transported via air ambulance to a local hospital in serious condition.
The County of Brant OPP have charged 69-year-old Ronald COTE of the County of Brant with Careless use of a firearm under the Criminal Code of Canada.
The male will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford at a later date to answer to the charges.
The OPP in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, are encouraging all hunters to become familiar with all safety rules and resources that are available to them so that they have a safe hunting season.
There are a number of ways hunters can keep themselves, and those around them, safe. These include:
Telling someone where you will be hunting and when you will be returning
Wearing hunter orange
Handling firearms with care and attention at all times
Never shooting unless you’re sure of your target and what lies beyond
Carrying a survival kit and a small first aid kit with you at all times
Never drinking alcohol while hunting
Anyone with information regarding this or any other incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 911. Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.crimestoppers-brant.ca where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.