On September 13, 2023, shortly after 5:00 p.m., the East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attended Thessalon First Nation for a fraud/internet safety related presentation for community members.
Shortly after 6:00 p.m., police were made aware that an individual at the event and was seen with a concealed handgun. Witnesses saw this prior to the person leaving the community center on a bicycle.
The community hall had over 30 adults/elders and over 10 children, immediately went into lockdown. A short time later, officers from the Thessalon and Blind River detachments, the OPP’s North East Region Canine Unit, and Emergency Response Team (ERT) arrested an individual at a residence on Biish Road in the community of Thessalon First Nation.
As a result, Robert CORBIERE, 57 years-of-age from Thessalon First Nation, was charged with:
- Carrying Concealed Weapon
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
- Carrying Weapon While Attending Public Meeting
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Video Bail Court in Blind River on September 14, 2023.
