THUNDER BAY POLICE SERVICE
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A Thunder Bay man armed with an apparent handgun was arrested Wednesday evening after he refused to comply with police demands and instead continued to approach officers.
Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Uniform Patrol Branch were dispatched to the 6400 block of Mapleward Road just after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14 following multiple reports of an aggressive male in the area.
When police arrived they observed a male matching the description provided by dispatchers. The male appeared to be in possession of a black handgun.
The male refused to comply with police demands and began approaching officers.
Police took advantage of an opportunity to utilize oleoresin capsicum spray – more commonly known as pepper spray. This distracted the male, which allowed officers to complete an arrest while avoiding serious injury to themselves, the accused, and members of the public.
Following the arrest police seized a replica handgun from the accused.
Jason Theadore HEYDER, 30, of Thunder Bay, is charged with Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose and Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order.
He appeared in bail court on Thursday, April 15 and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
