MULTIPLE ARRESTS MADE IN SHESHEGWANING FIRST NATION
UCCM Officers & Specialized Units Execute Search Warrant Following Shelter-in-Place Incident
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION, ON
Date: July 29, 2026
INCIDENT NUMBER: UF26002383
On July 28, 2026, members of the UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service responded to an incident involving concerns for public safety in Sheshegwaning First Nation. Police received information that individuals in the community were in possession of a firearm and were believed to be involved in several Criminal Code offences.
UCCM Patrol Services, K9 Unit, and the Crime and Drug Enforcement Units responded immediately and safely contained the situation. As a precautionary measure, a shelter-in-place advisory was issued for the area of Balsam Street while officers continued their investigation.
The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service subsequently partnered with the Ontario Provincial Police Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) to execute a search warrant at a residence in Sheshegwaning First Nation. Officers safely took two individuals into custody without incident and seized evidence related to the investigation. The shelter-in-place advisory was lifted at approximately 10:45 p.m.
As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were arrested and held in custody pending a bail hearing on July 29, 2026:
Garrett Garfield GRANT, of Courtice, Ontario, is charged with:
- Trafficking in a Schedule I Substance
- Criminal Harassment by Threats (2 counts)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to a Prohibition Order
- Break and Enter a Dwelling-House with Intent
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Fayobah Benjamin Nathanal MAGNAYE, of Scarborough, Ontario, is charged with:
- Trafficking in a Schedule I Substance
- Criminal Harassment by Threats (2 counts)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Break and Enter a Dwelling-House with Intent
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
During the investigation, officers also became aware of an unrelated individual who was allegedly breaching the conditions of a judicial release order by being present on Manitoulin Island, contrary to conditions imposed by the Ontario Court of Justice.
Cristian Jonathon BERMUDEZ, of Ottawa, Ontario, is charged with:
- Failure to Comply with a Release Order (2 counts)
He was also held in custody pending a bail hearing on July 29, 2026.
The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service recognizes that community safety is a shared responsibility. The cooperation and support of community members play a vital role in helping police prevent crime, hold offenders accountable, and ensure the continued safety and well-being of our communities.
The UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service thanks the members of the public for their patience and cooperation during the shelter-in-place advisory and acknowledges the assistance provided by the Ontario Provincial Police Emergency Response Team and Tactics and Rescue Unit during this investigation.
The charges before the court have not been proven. All accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Together, we can make a difference.
Contact:
Detective Staff Sergeant Brandon Leeson
UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service
Tel: 705-377-7135
Fax: 705-377-5583
Daniel Despatie
Deputy Chief of Police
UCCM Anishnaabe Police is a First Nations-run police service, serving six First Nation Communities on Manitoulin Island and on Highway 6 in Ontario. UCCM Anishnaabe Police works closely with the communities they serve to develop innovative, culturally responsive programs, enforce the law and improve community safety and wellness.
