Suspect caught after attempted package drop at Collins Bay Institution

A Toronto man is facing charges after he was found trespassing at Collins Bay Institution a day after someone attempted to drop a package over the walls of the institution.

On Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2020, a large police presence surrounded the institution after a male dressed in black was seen throwing a package over the wall of Collins Bay Institution at approximately 8:30 p.m. The male then fled south from the area towards Front Road, as observed by staff members of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). Staff members we able to retrieve the package, and Kingston Police were called. Kingston Police attempted a canine track, but the suspect wasn’t located.

The, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 2, 2020, the accused man, also dressed in black, was observed by CSC staff approaching the southeast corner of the institution. Staff members called out to the man, who initially complied with their directions, but then fled when they began to approach him. Again, Kingston Police were contacted and quickly attended the scene with members of the Emergency Response Team equipped with a forward-looking infrared scope to assist in attempting to locate the suspect in the dark.

Entering the property from Front Road, Kingston Police officers were able to join CSC staff and the accused was located trying to hide in a marsh area on the property. He was arrested and taken to Kingston Police Headquarters where he was held to attend a bail hearing the following day.

The 24-year-old Toronto man is facing a Criminal Code charge of mischief under $5,000 by interfering with the lawful operation of the institution, as well as trespassing on penitentiary property.

The Joint Forces Penitentiary Squad, which includes the Ontario Provincial Police and Kingston Police working in conjunction with CSC, will continue to investigate.