In April, the Greater Sudbury Police Service received two theft complaints involving what is believed to be the same suspect vehicle. Information provided was that on April 18, 2023, a flat bed trailer and a Bobcat mini excavator were stolen from a business on O’Neil Drive West in Garson and on April 25, 2023, a generator was stolen from a business on Maley Drive. In both situations, it is believed that the same Dodge Ram was used to commit the thefts and remove the pieces of equipment.

The Break Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit from the Integrated Crime Section of our Criminal Investigation Division began investigating the two incidents.

Detectives located the vehicle believed to be involved in both thefts and it was determined that the individual driving the vehicle was a prohibited driver. Around 7:30 p.m. on May 19, 2023, members of Patrol Operations conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Lorne Street. The driver of the vehicle attempted to flee, however he was taken into custody for Operation While Prohibited. The passenger of the vehicle was released unconditionally.

The vehicle was towed to a secure location to be searched. Upon searching the truck, Detectives located around 588 grams of Cocaine, 23 grams of Fentanyl, 868 grams of Methamphetamine, over 40 Methamphetamine tablets, over 100 Morphine tablets and over 120 Hydromophone tablets. The total value of the drugs seized was over $205,680. Detectives also located a large quantity of cash and a handgun.

The driver, 48-year-old, Christopher Armstrong was additionally charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA);

  • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
  • Tampering with a Serial Number
  • Adult Knowledge of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle
  • Possession of a Firearm - Weapon Contrary to a Prohibition Order x2
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  • Possession of a Prohibited Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  • Breach of Probation Order
  • Breach of Recognizance
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x5
  • Obstruct Peace Officer

He was held in police custody and attended Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) Court on May 20, 2023.

Through the investigation it is believed that on the night of April 21, 2023, the Dodge Ram was used to transport parties involved in the fatal shooting at Overtime Sports Bar. It is believed that at the time, the vehicle was driven by 41-year-old, Maurice Audette of Sudbury.

On May 21, 2023, 41-year-old, Maurice Audette was arrested and charged with Accessory After the Fact to Murder in relation to the shooting at Overtime Sports Bar, as well as the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada and the CDSA in relation to the thefts reported in April and traffic stop conducted on May 19, 2023 as he was the passenger in the vehicle;

  • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
  • Tampering with a Serial Number
  • Adult Knowledge of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition
  • Possession of Firearm/Weapon Contrary to Prohibition Order x2
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  • Prohibited/Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x6
  • Obstruct Peace Officer
  • Theft Over $5,000 x3

He was held in police custody overnight and attended WASH Court on May 22, 2023 to answer to the charges.

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