Violent weekend in Sault Ste. Marie includes multiple shootings

Ontario’s police watchdog has been called in after multiple shootings in Sault Ste. Marie took place last weekend.

Police were called to an incident near the city’s downtown Friday night that sent two people to hospital. On Saturday night, police responded to a call that led to police shooting and killing an armed man in the Sault’s west end.

Police responded to a report of gunshots around midnight Friday on Wemyss Street. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals inside with gunshot wounds.

A 54-year-old sustained serious injuries and an 18-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries. The pair were both taken to hospital.

Officers have cleared the scene, but the investigation is ongoing.

“Detectives are turning over every rock and doing as much work as they can to figure out exactly why this took place and figure out, you know, how come these two people were victimized,” said police spokesperson Lincoln Louttit.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Det. Sgt. Alison Campbell. Or if you wish to provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers.

A day later, police were flagged down by citizens at a convenience story who said they were being harassed by a man.

Police ordered him to leave the business, which he did, but they saw him again later in the evening. But this time, the 37-year-old was carrying a handgun.

Police say the interaction escalated, resulting in an officer shooting the man. He was later pronounced dead at hospital.

He was taken to hospital, where he died.

SIU called in

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has taken over the investigation because a civilian was hurt during interaction with police. They had no update Monday and Sault police are not commenting.

“Police are concerned when this level of violence is taking place in the community,” Louttit said.

“But please know that they're doing all they can to for the people (of) Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township. Obviously, for our members, it's a bit of it's a traumatic weekend.”

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Police said officers are provided with mental health support following tragic incidents like these.

Witnesses who reach out to police will also be pointed in the direction of support such as the CMHA or Algoma Public Health.