Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS)  officers responded to a weapons incident involving a man from Sandy Bay  Ojibway First Nation.

On Saturday, June 1, just after 10:00 p.m., MFNPS officers from the Sandy Bay detachment responded to a call in which a man had a firearm and threatened to shoot it.

Upon arrival, officers reportedly established a perimeter and were able to direct occupants from the residence safely away from danger. Additional information revealed this man had discharged the firearm earlier in the day and was threatening to have a shootout with police.

MFNPS K9 unit and a drone operator were deployed to assist officers. The RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) was also requested and attended.

Shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, officers entered the residence and located the man with a loaded firearm.

Joseph Cam Sutherland, 25 years old, of Sandy Bay First Nation, was arrested and charged with the following: 

  • ·       Unauthorized possession of a firearm. 
  • ·       Intentionally discharge firearm x2. 
  • ·       Possess weapon while prohibited x2. 
  • ·       Utter threats. 
  • ·       Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition. 
  • ·       Possession of a firearm, knowing its possession is unauthorized. 
  • ·       Obstruct peace officer.  
  • ·       Fail to comply with release order. 

Sutherland was remanded into custody for a court appearance on Monday, June 3, in Portage la Prairie Provincial Court.