On July 18, 2019, TBPS Uniform Patrol officers took a report of a possible attempted abduction from a 29-year-old male. The male victim stated that he was walking in the area of Arthur Street and James Street on July, 18, 2019 just after 5:00 am when he was approached by a vehicle and pulled inside. The male stated that he was able to free himself from the occupants of the vehicle and escape to seek help.
This investigation became a major case for the Criminal Investigations Branch which included a public appeal for information. After a thorough investigation by the TBPS Criminal Investigations Branch and the Aboriginal Liaison Unit, it was discovered that the 29-year-old male had made a false statement to police. Considerable time was spent investigating the initial claim of an abduction which was subsequently found to be false.
As a result of this investigation, 29-year-old Rudy SUGGASHIE of Pikangikum First Nation has been charged with Public Mischief, CC 140(1)(c). He is to appear in court on August 23, 2019.
The Thunder Bay Police Service reminds the public that it is not only a criminal offence to make a false statement to police but is also a serious drain on police investigative resources.