After expressing his condolences for this week’s terrorist attacks in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec and Ottawa that resulted in the deaths of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo, respectively, Timmins Police Chief John Gauthier addressed the media regarding a harrowing incident that happened in Timmins in the early morning hours Thursday and the importance of the Timmins Police Service in bringing such incidents to a successful conclusion.
Gauthier took a moment of pause after describing the details of the incident (see press release below).
“This incident could have ended much more tragically. The suspect was taken into custody and thankfully, there were no serious injuries,” he said, “I attribute the success of this incident to several things; the professionalism displayed by the officers involved, the equipment that they were supplied, the training that they had received and the adequate amount of officers on shift to deal with this situation.”
“There has been some local political debate about the cost of policing, cutting operational budgets or even staff and looking at different policing options for the City of Timmins,” said Gauthier
“I understand this position,” he said. "However, I must remind everyone that during the early morning hours of October 23, the officers of the Timmins Police Service brought an extremely dangerous situation to a very positive resolution.”
“I’m extremely proud of the dispatchers, constables and supervisors of platoon number four,” said Gauthier, noting the gravity of the situation. “While we were resting comfortably in our beds at night, it’s the men and women working as first responders and dispatchers that keep our community safe.”
Gauthier said he hoped to use this incident to show those who would argue for budget cuts or for the implementation of other policing options in the City of Timmins, the importance of having a well-trained and properly equipped local police force that can be relied upon to keep the community safe in the face of an ever increasing risk of dangerous or unlawful action.
“This occurrence is just one example of the tremendous work being done here at the Timmins Police Service,” he said. “I remain very humbled and proud to lead a group of people that are so dedicated to serving and protecting our community.”
The following is a news release from Timmins Police Service:
In the early morning hours of Thursday, October 23, after attempting to stop a vehicle driving erratically, police were engaged in a suspect apprehension pursuit.
The pursuit began in South Porcupine, and ended in the area of Rea St. N and Polaris Ave.
Throughout the course of the pursuit, the suspect vehicle reached excessive speeds, and deliberately struck a police vehicle, and attempted to strike others, causing significant damage and endangering the safety of the officers involved as well as the public.
It is important to note that at one point during the incident, the pursuit was called off due to its dangerous nature, however continued dangerous driving on the part of the suspect forced officers to resume the pursuit.
Further investigation by the Timmins Police Service’s Criminal Investigation Section, revealed that the vehicle in question was stolen.
Multiple attempts to stop the suspect resulted in the vehicle being driven directly at police vehicles.
The suspect was eventually apprehended.
Throughout the course of the incident, aggressive, assaultive, and threatening behaviour was displayed toward the officers involved. A search of the suspect revealed a concealed weapon.
As a result of this incident, Dean NAVEAU, 21, of Gogama, faces multiple charges, including flight while pursued by police officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, failure to stop at the scene of a collision, assault with a weapon, assault with intent to resist arrest, resist peace officer, assault peace officer, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, uttering threats, and breach of probation.
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing for today, October 24, 2014.
