Arrest made in William’s Seafood break-in
Shawn Allan McLaughlin, 62, also accused in other downtown offences, say city police
Fredericton police have effected an arrest in several downtown break-ins in recent weeks, including one that saw a seafood restaurant forced to close its doors for several days.
The Fredericton Police Force issued a news release Wednesday announcing the arrest of Shawn Allan McLaughlin, 62, on suspicion of a series of crimes in the downtown area.
Among them was an incident at William’s Seafood late Nov. 21 that saw the business on the Exhibition Grounds trashed, items stolen and a fire set in a washroom.
The release - which noted the suspect was arrested Nov. 23 - indicated he faces charges of break and enter, arson and breach of probation related to those events at William’s Seafood.
Furthermore, it said, McLaughlin is accused of mischief causing damage at the Brunswick Street Baptist Church on Nov. 7; break and enter at the building housing the men’s shelter and community kitchen at 65 Brunswick St., as well as a probation violation Nov. 10; and a break-in at the Hilton Garden Inn on Queen Street and another breach of probation Nov. 18.
Fredericton police spokesperson Sonya Gilks said McLaughlin appeared in provincial court Monday, when the Crown objected to his release. A judge remanded him pending a bail hearing scheduled for Dec. 2.
Meanwhile, William’s Seafood, which closed last Thursday to deal with the damage, announced on social media on Tuesday it was reopening the following day, and sure enough, its sign declared it was open for business again Wednesday.
Downtown business owners have expressed concerns about a rash of crimes - including break-ins, property damage and deliberately set fires - in the area in recent months and years.
The city and police force held a closed-door meeting with business owners and managers, as well as community stakeholders, on Nov. 5, during which many expressed frustrations with mounting issues with addicts and unhoused individuals in the area, and the need for the city to take more steps to curb crimes downtown.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.