Northern Ont. police add more resources in search for man wanted for questioning in recent murder

Lucas MacDonald, 43, was arrested June 12 following a shootout with Ontario Provincial Police. One officer was shot and wounded during the operation. (OPP photo)

Ontario Provincial Police have added more resources in their search for Lucas MacDonald, who investigators believe may have information in regard to a homicide investigation in Egan Township.

Police discovered the remains of the murder victim, Marcel Thoma, 30, on May 23 in a wooded area in Egan Township.

MacDonald, 43, is from Egan Township and has two warrants issued for his arrest for breach of recognizance for unrelated matters, police said.

“Investigators also believe that he may be in possession of a firearm and has information regarding the death investigation,” the OPP said in a news release.

Macdonald is 5-foot-8 with dark, collar-length hair with some grey, a thin short beard. He’s known to wear a ball cap with a bandana underneath it and wrap-around sunglasses.

• Download our app to get local alerts on your device
• Get the latest local updates right to your inbox

Several OPP units are taking part in the search, which includes a heavy police presence on Highway 101 between Retreat Road and Shillington.

“Residents and visitors to the area are reminded to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police,” police said.

“The South Porcupine OPP crime unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP criminal investigation branch, with assistance from the OPP forensic identification services and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.”

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or click here.