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Reports of gunfire were actually sounds of a 'bear banger': OPP

Report of gunshots led to OPP closing streets, standoff; Hunstville man was held in custody due to outstanding arrest warrants
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NEWS RELEASE
HUNTSVILLE OPP
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On Monday Aug. 19, shortly before 3 p.m., members from the Huntsville Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to the area of King and Williams street, after reports of gun shots being heard. 

In the interest of public safety, the OPP were forced to close a number of streets and keep people away from the immediate area. 

A Critical Incident Commander, a Crisis Negotiation Team, the Central Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) and OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) were staging in the area when the male exited a residence.

Shortly before 6:30 p.m. a 33-year-old Huntsville man was taking into police custody. 

Police seized two airsoft guns and a bear banger. The bear distraction device was determined to be the noise witnesses thought to be gunfire. 

As a result, investigators will not be filing further criminal charges in relation to this incident. The male remained in police custody until late last night due to outstanding arrest warrants from previous offences. 

The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.
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