Suspect pepper-sprayed at big Iron Bridge bust

OPP NEWS RELEASE

Assistance with warrant - lands many charges

(Iron Bridge, Ont.) - East Algoma OPP were called to assist the Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officers with a warrant under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

Officers were at the residence to search for a weapon and ammunition and when the owner objected the OPP became involved.

The owner of the residence is alleged to have swung a shovel at one of the conservation officers and then proceeded to get into a physical confrontation.

The suspect was pepper-sprayed and subdued by the officers on the scene.

The execution of the warrant led to the officers discovering suspected drugs and other weapons on the property, other warrants were obtained and several charges resulted.

Charges are as follows:

- possession of a controlled drug and substance over 30 grams

- possession for the purpose of trafficking (Controlled Drug and Substance Act.)

- production of a controlled substance (CDSA)

- careless storage of a firearm x 11

- assault with a weapon

- unauthorized possession of a weapon

- assault with intent to resist arrest

Drugs seized were valued at approximately $651,420.

Charged is 42-year-old Francis Rodney Schellekens of 3508 Dayton Road, Iron Bridge, Ont.

Schellekens was held in custody and is to appear in Court in Sault Ste. Marie today (June 6) for a bail hearing.

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