THUNDER BAY — Several charges have been laid in the wake of an incident that saw a Thunder Bay courtroom evacuated when the defendant in a second-degree murder trial reacted angrily to the verdict.
Jonathan Edward Massicotte, 27, is now charged with assaulting a peace officer, disarming a peace officer and resisting a peace officer.
Massicotte was found guilty late Tuesday afternoon in the 2014 death of William Wapoose, 32.
After the verdict was delivered and his release on bail was revoked, he had to be restrained by officers.
"Clear the courtroom, he is trying to reach for my gun," one officer shouted.
According to a news release issued Wednesday by Thunder Bay Police, the accused approached an officer and tried to gain control of his gun.
In the ensuing struggle, one officer sustained minor injuries.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, a charge of disarming an officer may be laid against anyone who "takes or attempts to take" an officer's weapon.
"I commend our officers for their actions and quick response to ensure everyone's safety," Police Chief Darcy Fleury said in a statement.
Massicotte was transported to the Thunder Bay District Jail where he remains in custody under a separate court order.
The new charges against him have not been proven in court.
