NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a male with a possible firearm in a south-end Orillia industrial area, resulting in an Orillia man being arrested on numerous charges.
On June 16, 2022 shortly before 2 a.m., officers responded to reports of a male who stated he had a firearm near West Street and Queen Street. The individual was located a short distance away in a residential area and fled when police approached.
[It is alleged that] the individual brandished an edged weapon when confronted by police and a conducted energy weapon (CEW) was deployed but was not effective. The individual fled from police but was found in a yard nearby and arrested.
During the investigation, police located a knife and ammunition.
As a result, Joshua Williamson, 33 years of age of Orillia, was charged with the following:
• Assault a peace officer - weapon
• Escape lawful custody
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Possession of property obtained by crime - under $5,000
• Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order
• Trespass at night
• Fail to comply with probation order
The accused was held for a bail hearing on June 16, 2022 at the Barrie Court of Justice.
The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia, by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety. If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report minor occurrences online by visiting here.
You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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