The Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) successfully apprehended a man who had been threatening to engage in a shootout with police. The incident occurred on June 1, 2024, in the Sandy Bay First Nation community.
The MFNPS officers from the Sandy Bay detachment were called to the scene shortly after 10:00 PM, following reports of a man in possession of a firearm. Upon arrival, officers established a perimeter and safely evacuated the occupants from the residence.
The suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Joseph Cam Sutherland of Sandy Bay First Nation, had reportedly discharged the firearm earlier in the day and was refusing to exit the residence. In response, the MFNPS deployed their K9 unit and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (drone) operator to assist.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Emergency Response Team (ERT) was also called to the scene. Shortly after 2:30 AM, the ERT and MFNPS K9 unit entered the residence and located Sutherland along with a loaded firearm.
Sutherland was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including unauthorized possession of a firearm, intentionally discharging a firearm, possession of a weapon while prohibited, uttering threats, possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, obstruction of a peace officer, and failure to comply with a release order.
Following his arrest, Sutherland was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in the Portage La Prairie Provincial Court on June 3, 2024.
The MFNPS expressed their gratitude to the RCMP Amaranth detachment and ERT team for their assistance in resolving the situation.
The MFNPS encourages anyone with information on this or any other crime in Sandy Bay to contact the Sandy Bay First Nation Detachment at 204-843-7700 or the MFNPS TIPS line anonymously at 1-833-978-0048. Tips can also be emailed to TIPS@mfnp.ca.
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