The community hall in Thessalon First Nation went into lockdown Wednesday evening after East Algoma OPP learned of an individual carrying a concealed handgun at a public internet safety presentation.
“Witnesses saw this prior to the person leaving the community centre on a bicycle,” says a news release issued by OPP.
Robert Corbiere, 57, was located and arrested a short time later.
Full text of the news release follows:
On Sept. 13, 2023 shortly after 5 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 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 centre 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 Sept. 14, 2023.