Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here are a few stories to start your day on this Thursday morning.
Man died at Chelmsford house after being tasered by police
The in-custody death in Chelmsford on Tuesday happened after police used a conducted energy weapon. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) made this revelation in a media release issued today. Three investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the case, and a post-mortem is scheduled for Thursday morning. In Tuesday's media release by Greater Sudbury Police Service, it was noted officers “made entry” into the residence upon arrival “to ensure the safety of those involved.” “Upon affecting the arrest, the individual became unresponsive, and officers began life-saving measures with the assistance of City of Greater Sudbury Paramedics,” GSPS said in their news release. “Unfortunately, the individual was pronounced deceased on scene.”
3.2 MN earthquake in Sudbury area early this morning
Sudburians who happened to be awake at 4:14 a.m. this morning (Jan. 3) probably felt the ground shaking. Earthquakes Canada is reporting a 3.2 MN earthquake five kilometres northwest of Lively. It said the quake is as a result of a mining event in Creighton Mine. Vale said the seismic event at Creighton Mine resulted from a "fault slip event" that was triggered during a development blast on 8330 level. "There was only one employee underground during the blasting timeframe, and he has safely returned to surface," said an emailed statement from Vale. "We are currently following our Significant Seismic Event protocol and all affected areas have been isolated. We will thoroughly inspect affected areas when energy levels have returned to background levels."
Motorist caught test driving vehicle at 113 in a posted 60 on Sudbury street
The dealership couldn't be too happy about this one. Sudbury OPP charged someone who was test-driving a vehicle with speeding and stunt driving today. Shortly after noon, Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle, travelling 113 kilometres an hour in a posted 60 km/h zone on Regent Street, in Sudbury. The driver was test-driving a vehicle, which belongs to a dealership. As a result of the investigation, a 23-year-old unnamed person from Copper Cliff, was charged,
Detective says alleged human trafficking victim shared ‘concerning’ info
A man accused of human trafficking appeared in a Sudbury courtroom last week, the first day of a trial continuation that saw the defence cross examine an alleged victim. Paul Castonguay is facing charges including trafficking in persons under 18, material benefit from sexual services and several counts of assault. There is a publication ban on testimony from the alleged victims, as well as their identities. Castonguay was originally to appear for this trial continuation on Dec. 15, and though he arrived in court, his lawyer, Dennis Michel, told the judge that he’d not spoken to Castonguay in three weeks, despite repeated attempts to contact his client. Though Justice Pierre Bradley was hesitant, he granted an adjournment.
Robert Steven Wright in North Bay court today for new charges
Facing new charges, convicted Renée Sweeney killer Robert Steven Wright appeared virtually in a North Bay courtroom today from that city’s jail. The show cause hearing was Wright’s second appearance since being charged by North Bay Police criminal harassment, forcible confinement and two counts of sexual assault from incidents predating his Sudbury murder conviction. Appearing before Justice Erin Jane Lainevool, Crown Attorney Terri Regimbal asked the judge to issue a publication ban on the names of the complainants and any identifying information. Both Wright’s partner and his parents were also in attendance virtually. Wright is now being represented by Toronto lawyer Joseph Wilkinson. A lawyer from Wilkinson’s firm, Aditi Iyer, was on hand for Wright’s appearance. She told the judge the firm has filed a designation, as well as asking for disclosure in the case.
Sudbury's Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke named to Order of Ontario
Sudbury geriatrician Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke has been named to the Order of Ontario. She was one of 25 new appointments that were announced January 1 by Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario. The Order of Ontario — the province's highest honour — recognizes outstanding people who have made exceptional contributions to help build a stronger province, nation and world. Members of the Order come from all walks of life and represent various sectors of society including public service, business, journalism and health care, said a news release from Queen's Park. Dr. Clarke is currently medical director at the North East Specialized Geriatric Centre in Sudbury, affiliated with Health Sciences North. In the Ontario document outlining the provincial honours, Clarke was described as "a transformational trailblazer and true visionary."
