8 arrested in connection to gunshot investigation

Eight people have been arrested facing a total of 47 charges after search warrants were executed in Ontario and Quebec in relation to an investigation into a discharged firearm.

On March 22, shortly after 10:30 a.m., officers from the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP responded to a report of a firearm going off in an empty hallway of an apartment building in Petawawa, Ont.

According to police, no one was injured in the incident and the person of interest left on foot in an unknown direction. The investigation later revealed that the residence, which was occupied by a family, was mistakenly targeted.

Police labelled the suspect as armed and dangerous and are still searching for him. He is described as:

• White male
• 30 – 40 years old
• Approximately 5’10” (178 cm) with a thin build
• Last seen wearing a dark-coloured medical mask, dark jacket and dark pants.

Police believe he may be in the Montreal, Que. area.

On June 5, officers executed the search warrants and seized the following items with approximate quantities:

• 9mm handgun with serial number removed;
• Two replica handguns;
• Ammunition;
• 17,000 suspected methamphetamine tablets;
• 15.5 kg suspected cocaine;
• 12.3 kg suspected fentanyl;
• 124 g suspected crack cocaine;
• 3,000 suspected hydromorphone tablets;
• 112 g suspected crystal methamphetamine;
• Jewellery valued at $150,000; and
• More than $264,000 in Canadian currency.

OPP say the estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than $2.5 million.

As a result, eight people have been arrested and are facing a variety of drug and firearm-related charges.

The UOV OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact 613-732-3332 or 1-888-310-1122 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.