Update:
A Greater Sudbury Police officer who was disciplined two years ago for refusing to show proof of vaccination at a hockey arena in Espanola is facing new charges after allegedly assaulting a 12-year-old hockey player on Feb. 11.
The Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police said an investigation began just before 8:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Espanola Recreation Centre after it was reported an adult coach had assaulted a 12-year-old hockey player.
Read the full news update here.
Original 9 a.m. release:
ESPANOLA - The Manitoulin Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged one person after a report of a disturbance at a local arena.
On Feb. 11, 2024 shortly before 8:30 p.m., police started the investigation that had occurred at an arena in the Town of Espanola. It was reported that after an earlier hockey game on that same day, a coach had threatened and assaulted a 12-year-old player from an opposing team. No injuries were reported.
As a result of the investigation, Melisa Rancourt, 50 years old from Espanola, was arrested and charged with:
- Assault
- Uttering threats - cause death or bodily harm
- Causing a disturbance
The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Espanola on March 4, 2024.