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Explosive devices found at site of Gore Bay shooting that claimed officer's life

GSPS says disposal unit working to ensure officer and community safety
opp - too small!
(OPP image)

Improvised explosive devices have been found at the scene where Ontario Provincial Police Const. Marc Hovingh was shot and killed near Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island on Nov. 19.

Greater Sudbury Police, which has been called in to assist in the investigation, said the explosive disposal unit is working to ensure the scene is safe after explosive devices were found. 

“Members of our EDU are taking the necessary precautions to ensure officer safety and community safety,” said Kaitlyn Dunn, a spokesperson for GSPS.

There is no information on how many explosives have been located, however, they were rendered safe on scene by explosive technicians.

“Our explosive technicians used the bomb suit, bomb robot and bomb hopper to transport the devices to a safe area for examination and destruction,” said Dunn in an email statement.

“The SIU investigation is still ongoing which means that specific details related to the criminal investigation cannot be released at this time.”

Hovingh, a 28-year veteran of the force, was one of the officers who responded to a call regarding an “unwanted man”' on a property at the Hindman Trail near Gore Bay’s East Bluff. A funeral was held for Hovingh on Nov. 28 at Manitoulin Secondary School.

In the Nov. 19 incident, Hovingh exchanged gunfire with Gary Brohman, 60, who also died as a result of his injuries.

November has been a particularly hard month on the Island. In a tragic turn of events, there have been four deaths on Manitoulin since Nov. 19. 

The province's Special Investigations Unit is also investigating a death at a residence on Manitoulin Island on Nov. 27. Manitoulin OPP had responded to a request for assistance by the United Chiefs in Council of Manitoulin Police Service (UCCM) in response to a domestic dispute. 

The incident escalated to a response to a person who had barricaded themselves within a residence. During the course of the investigation, the person inside the residence was found dead.

Then on Nov. 27, a Wiikwemkoong man lost his life in a drowning after he and another angler fell overboard.

“Investigation revealed two persons were heading out to go fishing, when both fell overboard into the water and started swimming to shore. Only one made it to shore,” OPP reported.

The victim was transported to hospital via Ornge Air Ambulance, where he was pronounced dead.

The man has been identified as Donald Maiagowi, 47, from Wiikwemkoong First Nation.