Police say Sault shooting suspect has history of violence, had been released despite weapons charges

A victim is in hospital in Sault Ste. Marie after a shooting at a men's shelter in Sault Ste. Marie on Sunday evening.

Police in Sault Ste. Marie say the arrest of a suspect for the shooting at the Community Resource Centre highlights the need for changes to the judicial system.

“The accused has a history of violence and was wanted by another service for weapon offences,” Chief Hugh Stevenson said in a news release Thursday.

“The fact he was previously arrested and released on weapon charges further speaks to the failure of our judicial system. We all have a responsibility to ensure our communities are safe. Releasing those who are charged with violent crimes puts our communities at risk. It needs to stop.”

The 24-year-old suspect is charged in connection with the Feb. 2 shooting on the property of the Community Resource Centre at 721 Wellington St., “which resulted in one victim being transported to hospital with serious injuries,” police said in a news release.

“An investigation revealed the identity of the person who shot the victim as the accused, who was also wanted by Ontario Provincial Police for nine charges. An additional warrant was obtained for their arrest.”

Police spotted the suspect around 11:45 a.m. Feb. 5 walking along Princess Crescent and made the arrest.

Handgun, drugs seized

“A search of the accused located a loaded handgun and approximately 10.77 grams of suspected fentanyl,” police said.

“The estimated street value of drugs seized is approximately $1,000.”

Charges include aggravated assault, numerous weapons offences, failure to comply with a probation order, three counts of failing to comply with a release order and drug possession.

“The accused is being held in custody pending a bail hearing,” police said.