Nine people have been arrested in connection to an altercation between rival motorcycle gang members.
On Saturday, July 8, 2023 at approximately 8:20 pm, the Cornwall Police Service (CPS) responded to an altercation between members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club and the Loners Motorcycle Club.
One Outlaws member was shot, and two Loners members suffered from apparent stab wounds. These three individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital. During the altercation, members of the Outlaws forcibly removed a vest belonging to a member of the Loners and fled the area.
Following the incident, five individuals were taken into custody.
On the morning of July 14th, 2023, the CPS and Cornwall Emergency Response Team, with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU), OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, Kingston Police Emergency Response Unit and Ottawa Police Tactical Unit, executed search warrants at five residences located in the following areas of the City of Cornwall:
- Champlain Drive
- Montreal Road
- Arthur Street
- Guy Street
- Gulf Street
During the execution of the warrants, three additional parties were arrested for their involvement in the incident that occurred on July 8, 2023.
In total, the CPS has executed eight search warrants throughout the investigation, resulting in the seizure of multiple weapons, including two loaded handguns.
As a result of the investigation, a total of nine individuals have been arrested and charged:
Rock Tessier, 41-years-old:
- Aggravated assault
- Assault with a weapon
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Pointing a firearm
- Discharge firearm with intent
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
- Use of firearm while committing offence
- Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Breach of prohibition order x 2
Kevin Joanisse, 32-years-old:
- Assault with a weapon
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Careless use of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition x 2
- Possession of property obtained by crime
Robert Marcheterre, 53-years-old:
- Aggravated assault
- Assault with a weapon x 2
- Robbery with violence
Dan Welsh, 53-years-old:
- Aggravated assault
- Robbery with violence
- Assault with a weapon x 2
Ashton Depatie, 28-years-old:
- Robbery with violence
- Assault with a weapon
- Aggravated assault
James Morrisey, 50-years-old:
- Robbery with violence
- Assault with a weapon
- Aggravated assault
Frederick Read, 45-years-old:
- Robbery with violence
- Assault with a weapon
- Aggravated assault
Collis Tweed, 42-years-old:
- Robbery with violence
- Assault with a weapon
- Aggravated assault
Anthony Meckley, 34-years-old:
- Robbery with violence
- Assault with a weapon
- Aggravated assault
All of the individuals arrested remained in custody to await respective bail hearings. This investigation remains ongoing.
“The incident that occurred on July 8 has brought a great deal of concern and alarm to the residents of Cornwall,” said Acting Chief of Police Vincent Foy. “I would like to thank our officers for their quick response and thoroughness throughout the investigation. I am also grateful for the assistance of our law enforcement partners, particularly the Biker Enforcement Unit, for their support following this unprecedented incident. The CPS continues to take all matters pertaining to organized crime seriously and will continue to actively investigate and work to deter organized crime groups from reaching our community.”
Police believe this to have been a targeted incident between the specified motorcycle gangs. The safety of our community remains a top priority for the CPS.
The CPS is thankful for the assistance of the OPP and BEU, Kingston Police Service, Ottawa Police Service and Brockville Police Service throughout this investigation.
We continue to encourage members of the public to report any suspicious activity in the City of Cornwall to police by calling 613-932-2110 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or seawayvalleycrimestoppers.ca.
