Northern Ont. suspect charged with murder, attempted murder in shooting of police officer
A northern Ontario suspect who was the subject of an intense manhunt has been charged with one count each of murder and attempted murder.
Lucas MacDonald, 43, was arrested Wednesday following a shootout with Ontario Provincial Police. One officer was shot and wounded during the operation.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Five police fired at MacDonald during Wednesday’s arrest in the area of Night Hawk Lake, east of Timmins. MacDonald was left with minor injuries.
He had been wanted for questioning since late May in the homicide of 30-year-old Marcel Thoma from Petawawa.
Thoma was shot to death and his remains were found in a wooded area in Egan Township, near Shillington, on May 23.
Police have been searching for MacDonald since then, warning the public not to approach him should they see him and call police instead.
A major operation Wednesday closed nearby Kettle Lakes Provincial Park. Police also put up wanted posters along Highway 101 between Shillington and Municipal Road.
MacDonald was charged with first-degree murder in Thoma’s death and attempted murder using a firearm in the shooting of the OPP officer.
Marcel Thoma, 30, was found shot to death in woods in Egan Township. (Facebook)
The OPP said he remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Timmins on Friday.
Earlier Thursday, the Special Investigations Unit said it invoked its mandate in the case because police fired their guns at MacDonald while trying to arrest him on Moose Island on Night Hawk Lake.
Exchange of gunfire
In a news release, the SIU said MacDonald was located "and at some point, there was an exchange of gunfire."
"Five officers discharged their firearms, but the man did not suffer any serious injury," the SIU said.
"One officer was struck. The man was arrested."
Four investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case, the SIU said.
"At this time, five subject officials, three witness officials and one civilian employee have been designated."
The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about the investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6942519.1719441123!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
More victims come forward in Ottawa rental scam
More people in Ottawa have come forward who say they've fallen victim to a real estate scam, with scammers posing as real estate agents trying to rent real properties.
Bill Cobbs, 'Air Bud' and 'The Sopranos' actor, dies at 90
Bill Cobbs, the veteran character actor who became a ubiquitous and sage screen presence as an older man, has died. He was 90.
'Worrying rumours' of planned 'non-consensual sexual acts' at after-prom party prompts Quebec police investigation
Police south of Montreal are investigating, and a school centre has asked parents not to allow their children to attend an after-prom party, after 'worrying rumours that unsavoury events were be planned by certain individuals related to drugs and non-consensual sexual acts.'
Canucks season ticket holder speaks out after membership revoked
Peter Wortman has been a Vancouver Canucks season ticket holder for 33 years, and was planning to sign on again for 2024/2025. But earlier this month, he got an email saying his full-season membership had been revoked, because the team believes he’s a ticket broker.
Military flees Bolivia government palace after coup attempt fails, general taken into custody
Armoured vehicles rammed the doors of Bolivia's government palace Wednesday in an apparent coup attempt, but President Luis Arce vowed to stand firm and named a new army commander who ordered troops to stand down.
Oilers stars McDavid, Draisaitl played through injuries in playoffs: coach
The head coach of the Edmonton Oilers says some of the team's top stars were playing through major injuries during their Stanley Cup playoff run.
Canadian businessman Frank Stronach facing new charges in connection with historical sexual assault investigation
Canadian businessman Frank Stronach is facing eight new charges after police say they've identified additional victims as part of an investigation into historical sexual assault allegations.
What you should know about the tick-borne disease anaplasmosis
Cases of a tick-borne illness called anaplasmosis are on the rise globally, and that includes across Canada. Biology professor Vett Lloyd says it is important to understand the risk factors for contracting anaplasmosis, and recognize symptoms of an infection, as the disease becomes more prevalent.
'I'm sorry, God': Accused at Coutts border blockade cried when protest abandoned
Anthony Olienick, sitting alone in an empty police interrogation room, breaks down in tears when he learns the COVID-19 protest blockade at Coutts, Alta., has disbanded in part because of his arrest.