the OPP
On September 12, 2013 shortly after 9:00 am, the Rainy River District Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a bag located behind the Northern Lights Credit Union. Officers confirmed that a threatening note was left with the bag for Credit Union staff with instructions to fill the bag with money. The note indicated that if the instructions were not followed then there would be consequences for other businesses or schools in the Fort Frances area. As such the Credit Union was closed for business and a perimeter set up around the building to protect evidence within that area.
As of 1:30 pm today, the OPP Scenes of Crimes officers in consultation with the OPP Forensic Identification Unit have completed processing the scene within the perimeter of the Northern Lights Credit Union. As such, the officers have now lifted the perimeter but the Credit Union remains closed for the remainder of the afternoon. Fort Frances OPP Crime Unit members are continuing to work with staff of the Credit Union and the community to investigate this incident.
As a precaution, the schools within Fort Frances will remain under “Hold and Secure”. This system is used when it is desirable to secure the school(s) due to an ongoing situation outside and not related to the school. During a “Hold and Secure”, the school continues to function normally, with the exterior doors being locked until such time as the situation near the school is resolved. This system helps the police work together with Board officials to ensure public safety and monitor who is entering the school until officers conclude their investigation and have consulted with the school board officials. The school dismissal will be operational as per usual at the end of the school day.
The OPP appreciates the public’s patience and reminds anyone with information pertaining to this investigation to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Further information will be released as it becomes available.
A Message from the Northern Lights Credit Union
I am happy to report all staff and members of our Fort Frances branch location are safe and we will be open for business as usual on Friday, September 13, 2013.
I am proud of how all employees remained calm, ensured safety came first, and assisted in the investigation as best they could.
If any members have questions please contact myself directly at 807-938-8786.
Ernie Remillard, CGA
President & Chief Executive Officer
Northern Lights Credit Union Limited
Direct: 807-221-4144
Mobile: 807-938-8786
