Gun-point threats leads to arrest at Whitby’s Ontario Shores Mental Health Centre

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Published December 6, 2024 at 1:43 pm

Ontario Shores Mental Health Centre in Whitby
Ontario Shores Mental Health Centre in Whitby

An Ontario Shores patient is in custody after police say he pointed a gun at another man and threatened to kill him over a cigarette.

Police said the incident happened November 14 when two men who knew each other were at a home in Whitby’s south end near Byron Street and Victoria Street. The suspect, police said, asked the victim for a cigarette and “without being provoked,” pointed a firearm at the victim’s chest and “threatened to kill him.”

The victim then handed over a pack of cigarettes. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived.

Further investigation revealed the wanted man was in the custodial care of Ontario Shores Mental Health Centre in Whitby.

Michael Phillip, 35, was arrested Friday at Ontario Shores on a Judge’s Order and charged of Whitby, is charged with multiple offences including uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, three gun-related offences and disobey court order.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Investigators were able to locate the weapon, which was hidden on Ontario Shores property. The weapon was determined to be a replica firearm.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Marchand of Central West Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1829. Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

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