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'Suspicious person' call results in COVID protocol violation charge for Mattice man

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NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE
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The Timmins Police has charged a Mattice, Ont. man for breaching the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act while responding to a “suspicious person” call for service during the late afternoon hours of May 1 at a Timmins bus terminal.

Once at the scene, a Timmins Police officer located a man who was drinking liquor from an open container in a public place as well as being in breach of the court order that has a clear curfew requirement.

Further investigation determined that the man was in breach of COVID protocols defined under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA).

As a result, Jean-Paul Munyarugerero, 31 of Mattice, was arrested and taken into custody.

The suspect has been charge with:
    •    Have open container of liquor in public contrary to the Liquor Licence Act
    •    Fail to comply with order contrary to the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act
    •    Fail to comply with release order contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada

As stated in previous public notices, the educational approach and ready use of discretion originally adopted by the Timmins Police has come to an end, especially in light of recent distressing numbers related to COVID positivity in our area.

The accused remains in police custody awaiting a bail hearing slated for this morning at Provincial Court in Timmins to answer to the Criminal charge laid against him.

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