Arrest made in attempted homicide investigation

THUNDER BAY – A Sandy Lake First Nation man has been Charged with attempted homicide in connection with an ongoing investigation into an October shooting incident. 

The Thunder Bay Police service says that in the morning of Nov. 5, Denne Bill Mathew BEARDY, 26, of Sandy Lake First Nation, was arrested by members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service who then later made arrangements to transport Beardy to Thunder Bay. 

Police say that officers with the Primary Response Unit were originally dispatched to the area of Pearl Street and Cumberland Street just after 1:55 a.m. on Oct. 30 following reports of possible gunfire.  

Police learned a male suspect became engaged in an argument with a 29-year-old male.

During this verbal confrontation, police say the suspect pulled out a handgun that was concealed in their jacket and pointed it at the other male, from which, the victim ran and the accused discharged the firearm.  

Members of the Major Crimes and Forensic Identification Units became involved in the ongoing investigation and as a result of continued investigative efforts, police were able to positively identify a suspect.

A warrant was obtained for the arrest of the accused on various charges including attempted murder.  

Beardy has been charged with Attempt Murder using Restricted or Prohibited Firearm, Discharge Firearm into or at a Place in Reckless Manner, Pointing a Firearm, Carrying Concealed Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition, Failure to Comply with Probation Order, and Failure to Comply with Release Order.  

Beardy appeared in bail court on Nov. 5 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date of Nov. 10.