Suspect in Manitoulin Island assault at large, police seek witnesses and video footage

The suspect in an assault in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island Thursday is still at large and police are seeking witnesses or video footage in hopes of finding him.

Shortly after 8 a.m. Feb. 2, police were called EMS at an address on Mnaawnkwad Drive.

“When officers and EMS arrived on scene, they located a 17-year-old male who had been seriously assaulted,” the news release reads.

The victim was transported to hospital to receive treatment for his injuries.

“Medical personnel continue to monitor the victim; however, the full extent of their injuries is not known at this time,” said UCCM police.

A short time later, detectives began canvassing the area for information, evidence, and video surveillance footage.

Through their investigation, police said they have determined that the victim of the assault was inside the residence on Mnaawnkwad Drive and the suspect entered the residence uninvited and assaulted the victim with a baseball bat.

The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival.

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The suspect is wanted for assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, breaking and entering to commit an offence and being unlawfully within a dwelling.

Police said, an expansive search of identified residences and associated vehicles throughout M’Chigeeng was conducted in coordination with the OPP Emergency Response Team, OPP Canine Unit (K9) and UCCM Police.

The suspect and the weapon (baseball bat) are still outstanding.

The suspect has been described as:

• Male
• Appears to be approximately late teens to early twenties.
• Darker complexion
• 5'5”
• Light to average build
• Braces
• Dark hair – shaved on the sides, longer on top and possibly in a ponytail or bun

Police said, this is believed to be a targeted and isolated incident and that the victim and suspect are known to each other.

UCCM Anishnaabe Police Crest (Supplied)“Police are seeking the assistance of the community, in particular the Pinewood Park neighborhood and are asking for information on whether the suspect male attended at a residence or obtained a ride. If you have any relevant video footage, please contact detectives at the UCCM Police station.”

Anyone with information related to the incident can contact UCCM Police at 705-377-7135 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.