Northern Ontario Holds Breath: Shelter-in-Place Lifted as Manhunt Ends Peacefully

The community of White River in Northern Ontario can finally breathe a collective sigh of relief. A tense shelter-in-place order, which had kept residents on edge for hours, was officially lifted on Monday afternoon following the successful apprehension of a suspect by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

Authorities confirmed that 34-year-old Justin Dieudonne was taken into custody without incident, bringing an end to an intense manhunt.

The dramatic events unfolded after an alleged shooting incident on Sunday evening, prompting a significant police presence and a plea for residents to remain indoors for their safety.

The shelter-in-place directive was issued early Monday morning, urging individuals in the White River, Dead Man's Creek, and northern areas of the Township of White River to seek immediate shelter and stay off the roads.

Schools in the region, including École Publique Trillium des Glaciers and Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School, were also placed under a hold and secure, later transitioning to a full closure for the day as a precautionary measure.

Throughout the day, OPP officers, supported by the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and a K9 unit, meticulously scoured the area.

Their unwavering efforts culminated in the peaceful arrest of Dieudonne, effectively neutralizing the perceived threat to the community.

Details surrounding the alleged shooting remain under active investigation. Reports indicate that one person sustained injuries in the incident and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The OPP has assured the public that there is no longer a safety concern for the community of White River, and further information will be released as the investigation progresses. This resolution marks a welcome return to normalcy for the anxious residents of Northern Ontario.