Accused in double shooting appears in bail court

The accused in yesterday’s double shooting on Wellington Street East appeared briefly in bail court on Tuesday.

Defence duty council requested a publication ban on the matter, which was granted by Justice of the Peace Kyle Cachagee. That ban prohibits the publication of any evidence heard in court, including the name of the accused and victims.

Cachagee said he granted the ban to protect the identity of the victims, as well as protecting the integrity of the police investigation.

Defence asked for an adjournment of the bail hearing to allow time for the accused to retain counsel. Cachagee granted the adjournment, with the accused's next appearance scheduled for Feb. 13. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service said a 39-year-old had been charged with attempted murder while using a firearm for the incident that occurred Monday in the 1500-block of Wellington Street East. In the news release, police said the name of the accused is not being released in order to protect the identity of the victims.

The scene of the shooting remained taped off on Tuesday, with a police forensics van still on site more than 24 hours after the incident.

Officers with the forensics unit photographed the scene Monday evening, hours after the arrest was made. At the time, blood was still visible in the snowbank at the scene.

Police said in the news release on Tuesday the accused was observed outside the residence carrying a shotgun when officers made their arrival at the scene. Upon being ordered to drop the weapon, the accused did so and was taken into custody, said Sault Police.

One person was found inside the residence, while another was found outside. Both had gunshot wounds and were transported to hospital with serious injuries.

Police said the accused and the victims are known to each other.

The accused was charged with the following:
 
    •    Attempted Murder while Using a Firearm x2
    •    Using a Firearm while Committing an Offence x2
    •    Careless Use of a Firearm, Weapon or Ammunition x2
    •    Pointing a Firearm x2
    •    Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose x2
    •    Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
    •    Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
    •    Possession of a Loaded Firearm
    •    Discharge Firearm with Intent x2
    •    Assault with a Weapon x2
    •    Aggravated Assault x2
    •    Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x4