Charges Filed After Stabbing Incident in Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY – An investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service into a reported stabbing on the south side of the city has led to five charges against a 45-year-old man from Webequie First Nation.

Police report that officers found three individuals after responding to the area near Syndicate Avenue South and Donald Street East on Thursday, Aug. 6. One person was taken to the hospital with injuries described by police as non-life-threatening.

Police respond to reported stabbing

Officers from the Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit were sent to the location around 10 a. m. after getting multiple calls about a stabbing.

According to police, three people identified as victims were found at the scene.

One individual was taken to a Thunder Bay hospital for medical treatment. Authorities stated that their injuries were not life-threatening. No additional information regarding the condition of the other two individuals was provided.

As the investigation progressed, the Break, Enter and Robbery Unit became involved.

Suspect identified and arrested

Investigators say they identified a suspect and searched the surrounding area.

A man was later located and taken into custody.

Following this investigation, Lazarus Yellowhead, 45, of Webequie First Nation faces charges including:

aggravated assault; assault with a weapon; assault; resisting a peace officer; and failure to comply with a release order.

These charges are allegations and have not yet been proven in court.

What the charges mean under the Criminal Code

Aggravated assault: Section 268 of the Criminal Code comes into play when an assault causes wounds, maims or disfigures someone, or threatens their life. This is an indictable offence with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.

Assault with a weapon: Section 267 applies when someone carries, uses or threatens to use a weapon during an assault. This section also includes assaults causing bodily harm or involving choking or strangulation. If pursued by indictment, it can lead to up to 10 years in prison.

Assault: Section 266 makes common assault a hybrid offence. If prosecuted by indictment, it can carry up to five years imprisonment.

Resisting a peace officer: Section 129 covers resisting or willfully obstructing an officer performing their duties. If pursued by indictment, this can result in up to two years imprisonment.

Failure to comply with a release order: Section 145(5) applies when someone allegedly fails without lawful excuse to meet conditions set out in their release order (not including court attendance). This is also hybrid and can lead up to two years if prosecuted by indictment.

For offences handled through summary conviction where no other penalties apply, there’s generally a maximum fine of $5,000 or imprisonment for up to two years less one day-or both.

Actual sentences are decided by courts based on factors like circumstances surrounding the crime, offender’s background and history, aggravating and mitigating elements along with sentencing laws applicable at that time. Statutory maximum penalties shouldn’t be seen as predictions for any specific case outcomes.

Accused remanded in custody

Authorities state that Yellowhead appeared in court after his arrest and has been remanded into custody.

A remand order means he will stay detained until further court proceedings occur unless directed otherwise by another court decision.

Yellowhead is presumed innocent unless proven guiltyin accordance with law.

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