Charges Laid In Partially Submerged Canoe Incident

(THUNDER BAY,ON)- On Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at approximately 9:48 am, officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were advised of a canoe that was located partially submerged in Wild Goose Bay in the Municipality of Shuniah.

Officers responded and observed the canoe to contain camping gear and other articles but there was no paddle or lifejacket with the canoe. Shortly after, a lifejacket and paddle were located in the Bay.

The OPP Marine Unit, OPP North West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) OPP Forensic Identification Unit (FIU), the Canadian Coast Guard, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Helicopter searched the area of Wild Goose Bay.

At approximately 2:08 pm, the male associated to the located canoe was located in Shuniah.

Further investigation revealed that the male involved committed a break, enter and theft to a building in Shuniah and stole a canoe from a local residence.

Cameron DOWNIE, 27 years of age, from Winnipeg, Manitoba was arrested and charged with the following offences;

-Break and Enter contrary to section 348(1)(a) of the Criminal Code,

-Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000 contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code,

-Fail to Comply with Probation Order contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code.

He was held in custody and following a video court appearance, he was transported to the Thunder Bay District Jail.

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