OPP INVESTIGATE AGGRAVATED ASSAULT INCIDENT INVOLVING MASKS

(STURGEON FALLS, ON) – On March 18, 2020, members of the Nipissing West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to an assault incident at a residence in Sturgeon Falls.

Investigation revealed an altercation ensued between five individuals where two people were assaulted by three assailants wearing balaclavas.

A 22-year-old male victim, from Sturgeon Falls, suffered stab wounds to his upper body, which are serious but non-life threatening.

The other victim, a 29-year-old female, also from Sturgeon Falls, was pepper sprayed and her injuries are minor.

As a result of the investigation, two people were subsequently arrested and an Arrest Warrant was obtained for the third person.

On the morning of March 19, 2020, the third suspect was arrested in Sturgeon Falls.

Michael GOULAIS, age 49, from Garden Village, Jesse LEBLANC, age 37, and Harley SHANK, age 33, from Sturgeon Falls, are charged with:

Aggravated Assault, contrary to section 268 of the Criminal Code (CC);
Disguise with Intent, contrary to section 351(2) of the CC; and
Break, Enter a Dwelling House with Intent to Commit Indictable Offence, contrary to section 348(1) of the CC.

Both accused, GOULAIS and SHANK, remain in custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice – Bail Court on March 19, 2020 in North Bay, while LEBLANC was released by way of an Undertaking and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on July 2, 2020 in Sturgeon Falls.