A local man is facing more than a dozen charges after an incident yesterday that closed a busy Timmins road for hours.
Yesterday (Jan. 22), Timmins Police issued an advisory warning people about a heavy police presence in the Sixth Avenue area. The road was closed for hours between Pine Street North and Balsam, with the residence police were focusing on being between Balsam and Cedar.
In a news release today, Timmins Police said that a male suspect was arrested at the scene and a firearm was also seized. No further details on the incident were included.
Police say that the incident is completely random.
While the criminal investigations division has released the scene, the investigation is ongoing. Officers are still canvassing the neighbourhood and securing video footage of the area.
Justin Skinner Withers, 46, of no fixed address in Timmins is charged with:
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Knowledge of possession of a firearm without a license
- Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition
- Mischief - destroy or damage property
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Careless use of a firearm
- 6 counts of possession of a firearm – contrary to prohibition order
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Possession of a prohibited device
The accused is in police custody waiting for a bail hearing today.
None of the charges have been tested in court and the accused is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
Anyone with information on the investigation should call 705-264-1201.To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
