Ontario police identify suspect in Edmundston robbery, shooting
Police in Ontario have revealed the identity of a man who allegedly robbed a business in Edmundston and was shot by police earlier this week.
Charles Potts, 34, is suspected of robbing Gallant Enterprise, shooting an employee, stealing two vehicles and threatening local police in New Brunswick, five days after police in Ontario launched a search for him.
Edmundston police confirmed Wednesday that Potts was the man they arrested after a highway chase Monday night.
Ontario Provincial Police issued a public appeal May 22 for the whereabouts of Potts, believing he was "armed and dangerous."
Const. Rod LeClair of the Haldimand County detachment said Wednesday that Potts was wanted in connection with an incident on Robinson Road in Dunnville, about 50 kilometres southwest of Niagara Falls.
Police had received a call shortly after midnight last Wednesday night about a man "in crisis" and armed with a gun.
LeClair said the road was closed for nine hours while police searched the area, but Potts was able to get away.
On Tuesday, the OPP announced in a tweet that Potts had been found, saying he'd been arrested by the RCMP in New Brunswick.
Suspect comes to New Brunswick
The arrest happened after Edmundston police responded to a call about a break and enter at the Gallant Enterprise recycling plant early Monday morning.
Police said the man left the scene in a stolen company van, which he later crashed near the Trans-Canada Highway before fleeing on foot.
Shortly after 10 p.m. Monday, the man was spotted by Edmundston police as he drove on the Trans-Canada in another stolen vehicle.
The man got out of the vehicle with a shotgun, according to Insp. Steve Robinson.
He "took actions that were threatening" toward police, and they shot him, said a statement from the RCMP, who had joined in the pursuit when the vehicle entered their territory. The man was taken to hospital in Edmundston.
Potts has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, and Robinson said more charges are expected when he appears in court in Edmundston.
Potts is still in hospital with injuries that are serious but not life-threatening. Robinson said he wasn't sure when he would be released.
On Twitter, the OPP thanked New Brunswick RCMP for their assistance in the investigation. No charges have been filed against Potts in Ontario.
