A west-end Timmins residence has been contained for more than 12 hours by police.
Shirley Street between Lafleur and Park remains closed to both vehicles and pedestrians. Both nearby schools, Ecole publique Lionel-Gauthier and Ecole publique Renaissance are open.
“This affects an area of the 400 block of Shirley Street North where a person of interest linked to a number of investigations we believe is within the residence," said Marc Depatie, Timmins Police corporate communications co-ordinator.
"Efforts thus far to establish communication with that person have not proven to be successful. In the interest of public safety, we’re containing the area until such time as we’re able to establish those communications and bring this matter to a successful conclusion.”
Depatie couldn't confirm if this incident is connected to yesterday's attempted murder that is being investigated.
“Not as yet, we’re not able to link those two incidents together. The information against the person to be charged with those offenses have yet to be sworn, so there’s a bit of an administrative lag that is attached before we can make proper comments on those aspects of the investigation,” he said.
He said there have been some evacuations for public safety. Other residents have been given the option of leaving under police escort.
“We believe he’s the only person in the residence at this time,” said Depatie. “That’s based on...witness appraisal of the person interest having attended the residence and police responding shortly thereafter.”
The Shirley Street incident started yesterday afternoon.
Depatie said someone saw a person of interest and reported it to police.
Right now, he said they are in a 'wait-and-see' position.
“We’re hopeful to resolve this issue without any need for dynamic entry of any of that nature. Communications are always the best way to resolve these types of situations, we’re hopeful to explore those and exhaust those before we proceed to any other formal police action at this scene,” said Depatie.
There is no immediate threat to public safety.
"The area’s being contained by seasoned officers with the emergency response team. They train for this type of containment situation on an annual basis so they’re well acquainted with the tactics involved to maintain public safety,” he said.
