Thunder Bay Police Charge Webequie First Nation Man After Reported Stabbing

THUNDER BAY — A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into a reported stabbing on the city’s south side has resulted in five charges against a 45-year-old man from Webequie First Nation.

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

Police respond to reported stabbing

Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the area at about 10 a.m. after receiving multiple reports of a stabbing.

Police said three people identified as victims were located at the scene.

One was transported to a Thunder Bay hospital for treatment. Police said the injuries were not considered life-threatening. No further information about the condition of the other two people was provided.

The Break, Enter and Robbery Unit became involved as the investigation continued.

Suspect identified and arrested

Police say investigators identified a suspect and conducted a search of the surrounding area.

A man was subsequently located and arrested.

As a result of the investigation, Lazarus Yellowhead, 45, of Webequie First Nation has been charged with:

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

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

What the charges mean under the Criminal Code

Aggravated assault: Section 268 of the Criminal Code applies when an assault wounds, maims or disfigures a complainant, or endangers the complainant’s life. Aggravated assault is an indictable offence carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

Assault with a weapon: Section 267 applies when, during an assault, a person carries, uses or threatens to use a weapon or imitation weapon. The same section also covers assaults causing bodily harm and assaults involving choking, suffocation or strangulation. If prosecuted by indictment, the offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Assault: Section 266 makes common assault a hybrid offence. If the Crown proceeds by indictment, the maximum sentence is five years in prison.

Resisting a peace officer: Section 129 includes resisting or wilfully obstructing a peace officer or public officer who is carrying out their duties. If prosecuted by indictment, the maximum sentence is two years.

Failure to comply with a release order: Section 145(5) applies when a person who is subject to a release order allegedly fails, without lawful excuse, to comply with a condition other than a requirement to attend court. The offence is hybrid and carries a maximum of two years if prosecuted by indictment.

For offences prosecuted by summary conviction where no different penalty is specified, the Criminal Code generally allows a maximum fine of $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years less a day, or both.

Actual sentences are determined by the court after considering the circumstances of the offence, the offender’s circumstances and criminal record, aggravating and mitigating factors, and applicable sentencing law. Statutory maximum penalties should not be interpreted as predictions of the sentence in any individual case.

Accused remanded in custody

Police say Yellowhead appeared in court following his arrest and was remanded into custody.

A remand order means the accused will remain in custody pending further court proceedings unless a court later orders otherwise.

Yellowhead is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.