An OPP helicopter sits in a parking lot as police remain on the scene of an armed standoff in Timmins. Supplied photo.
4:40 p.m. update:
A section of the city remains blocked off by police as a standoff with an armed intruder inside Canadian Tire that began in the wee hours of the morning stretches to the 12-hour mark.
Timmins Police are still advising the public to stay away from a perimeter that is still in effect with Highway 101 West closed at Walmart and Jaguar Road. Detours are Shirley Street to Sandy Falls Road for wesbound traffic and Jaguar Street to Sandy Falls Road for eastbound traffic.
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2:41 p.m. update:
Timmins Police report that the target of this morning's break and enter was firearms, and that the perimeter is being held.
"At least one suspect" was involved.
Also, police are telling the public not to call them to find out which stores are closed and when they will be opening.
2:17 p.m. update:
Police have just provided media with an update on the situation. There have been no new developments. Police confirm one person is believed to have broken into the Canadian Tire early this morning.
OPP have taken over command of the scene and have not ruled out a link to the possible sighting of homicide suspects in Timmins.
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Police have been on the scene of an armed standoff at a Canadian Tire in Timmins since early this morning.
Timmins Police and Ontario Provincial Police responded after a report of a break-in at the Canadian Tire around 4:30 a.m.
Police say an ‘armed individual’ was believed to be in the store.
A large area around the store has since been cordoned off, and multiple retail outlets evacuated as OPP tactical officers and helicopters remain on scene.
Police have not confirmed whether the standoff may be linked to the search for two suspects wanted in a Toronto homicide investigation.
Yesterday, Timmins Police issued a warning that the pair - Clyde Marshall, 36, of New Brunswick, and Sabrina Couart, 27, of Gatineau Quebec - may have been spotted in TImmins on Monday.
The homicide investigation relates to the death of Sina Parsi, 32, of Keinberg, who was found dead Friday in the Jane Street and St. Clair Avenue West area of Toronto.
- TimminsToday
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11:27 a.m. update:
Timmins Police indicate via Twitter that it remains unknown whether this morning's incident is related to the search for Toronto homicide suspects.
Police indicate the businesses affected at this point are Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Penningtons, Micheals, Marks, and Esso has now been evacuated as well.
11:08 a.m. update:
We have received information that some businesses in the area have been locked down. At least some employees in those businesses have been told they cannot leave the area.
10:58 update:
From Timmins Police:
Update on ongoing situation: OPP are actively involved in incident and have deployed resources to the scene.
Perimeter has expanded for public safety reasons.
Hwy 101 W closed at Government Road and at Jaguar Rd. Detour via Shirley St/Jaguar Rd.
Anyone having any information is asked to call the Timmins Police Service at 264-1201.
Anyone seeing anything suspicious is asked to call 911.
9:53 a.m. update:
Police are reiterating that the public in the area should not share details of police activity on social media.
"This info could be pertinent to the investigation and we would not want to compromise that," Kate Cantin, Timmins Police spokesperson told TimminsToday.
Timmins Mayor Steve Black posted the following note on Facebook, asking the same thing of residents:
"I would ask residents to not post details or photos that may give locations of our emergency and police personnel or updates of additional resources going to the location. Please let our men and women at TPS and their partners in other agencies who work to serve and protect our community do their job without jeopardizing their positions and protection as well," said Black.
9:27 a.m. update from Timmins Police:
All five stores in perimeter (Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Penningtons, Micheals, and Marks) are closed at this time and will be closed until further notice.
Hwy 101 W remains open to traffic, however we are asking the public to avoid perimeter area if possible.
Area residents asked not to post officers locations or activities.
9:20 a.m. update:
Please avoid area if possible.
Riverside Dr remains open at this time.
Government Road closed at Riverside.
Please keep an eye on our official social media sites for the most accurate information.
Earlier update:
TPS Emergency Response Team on scene at Canadian Tire.
Police believe an armed individual is contained inside the building.
Police have evacuated Home Depot and Canadian Tire.
Corporate Communications Coordinator on scene - will speak to media shortly.
Hwy 101 W is open to traffic at this time.
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