Handgun suspect released from custody
Michael Donnelle, 33, arrested Tuesday after firearms complaint, Fredericton police report
The Fredericton Police Force reports that officers detained a male suspect Tuesday evening after finding a loaded handgun, but he was released after a brief court appearance Thursday.
The police force issued a news release Friday morning about an incident earlier in the week allegedly involving a firearm, noting that officers responded to a weapons complaint in the uptown area Tuesday evening.
“Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and quickly apprehended a 33-year-old male,” the release said, noting the arrest occurred without incident.
“An initial search of the location resulted in the seizure of a loaded handgun.”
As a result of that arrest, Michael Donelle, 33, of Fredericton, was charged with counts of using a firearm in the commission of an offence, carrying a concealed weapon, occupying a motor vehicle knowing a firearm was located therein, possessing a loaded and restricted firearm and uttering threats, among others.
He was remanded after an initial court appearance Wednesday, and he was brought back before Fredericton provincial court Judge Lyne Raymond on Thursday afternoon, scheduled to go through a bail hearing.
However, prosecutor Megan Kervin instead changed the Crown’s position on his detention and consented to his release on a number of conditions.
Judge Lyne Raymond imposed the requested judicial release order, the conditions of which include the wearing and maintenance of an electronic-monitoring ankle bracelet.
Donnelle is due back in court Jan. 6 to elect mode of trial and enter pleas.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.