Editor's Note: The Ontario Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate in relation to the investigation.
Update, 5:45 p.m.:
A 20-day manhunt in Timmins ended and a police officer was shot today (June 12).
South Porcupine OPP has confirmed that 43-year-old Lucas MacDonald was arrested today. During an interaction on a Nighthawk Lake island, police say an officer was injured and brought to the hospital. They are in stable condition.
"There is no further public safety risk related to this incident," reads an OPP news release.
"More information will be released as it becomes available."
Anyone with information about the investigation should call OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Original story:
While social media is abuzz with reports that a nearly three-week-long manhunt in Timmins has ended, OPP isn't confirming if Lucas MacDonald is in police custody.
South Porcupine OPP took to social media around 4:30 p.m. today (June 12) to let people know there's an increased police presence due to an ongoing investigation in the Nighthawk Lake area in the east end of the city. The hub of activity has been on Retreat Road, which is one of the areas that police have been focusing on for the past week.
Police say there are no concerns for public safety and more information will be released when it's available.
TimminsToday asked OPP this afternoon if 43-year-old MacDonald was in police custody and if anyone had been injured in the arrest.
Const. Michelle Simard responded around 3:30 p.m. saying information is forthcoming. No news release has been issued, though an hour later the brief update was posted on Facebook.
On May 23, the body of 30-year-old Marcel Thoma — who, according to his obituary, was a Master Bombardier with the 2nd Regiment of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Garrison, Petawawa — was found in a wooded area in Egan Township, southwest of Matheson.
The first information released from South Porcupine OPP said it was a suspicious death, with police later saying it was a "firearm-related" murder.
Since the suspicious death news release, MacDonald has been identified as someone who the police want to talk to.
OPP has not formally named MacDonald as a suspect. They have consistently said that he "may have information" about the murder and may have a gun.
For the manhunt, police have used many resources, including canine units, boats, and a helicopter.
Kettle Lakes Provincial Park was also closed to campers and day users on June 7 due to the investigation.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks said it would reopen when it's safe to do so.
