On Wednesday, 16 August 2023, at approximately 4:45 pm, officers were called to the south end of Hibernia Street regarding sounds of gunshots. Police investigation identified three suspects. On 25 August, one suspect was arrested; on 29 August a second suspect was arrested and on 11 January, the third suspect was arrested. All were charged with a large number of offences including attempted murder. The most recent arrest (of Elijah Kerridge-Lall) was made by “a partner police service” and previous Police information is that he and the other suspects live in the Durham region. The shooting occurred at a West Beach encampment of homeless individuals who subsequently moved to County property on William street then moved to their current location on Provincial property on King street. Below are details of the three suspects and what they have been charged with.
Suspects
- 19-year-old Kersi Buakasa of the Durham Region was arrested at his home on August 25 and held for a bail hearing – no further update.
- 18-year-old Alearen Stewart of Ajax. Was arrested on August 29 and held for a bail hearing – no further update. He is known to frequent the GTA and Northumberland County.
- 21-year-old Elijah Kerridge-Lall of Whitby, was “arrested on a warrant in the GTA by a partner police service”. The arrest was on Thursday, January 11, 2023, at approximately 2:15 pm. He is known to frequent the GTA and the Northumberland County area. According to a Police Report last August, Elijah was “on a current court release for attempted murder charges involving a firearm and was supposed to be on a house arrest condition but was not at his residence when police executed the search warrant (in August 2023).”
The Police announcement said that “Kerridge-Lall is currently in custody on unrelated charges from another jurisdiction and will be brought forward before the courts at a later date for the … charges.” (See list of charges below).
Charges
Relevant legislation/Criminal Act clauses omitted.
| Attempted murder using firearm | Buakasa, Stewart, Kerridge-Lall |
| Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm | Buakasa, Stewart, Kerridge-Lall |
| Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm | Buakasa, Stewart, Kerridge-Lall |
| Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl | Buakasa |
| Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine | Buakasa |
| Possession of schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine | Buakasa |
| Obstruct police | Kerridge-Lall |
| Fail to comply with release order | Kerridge-Lall |
| Point firearm | Stewart, Kerridge-Lall |
| Discharge firearm with intent | Stewart, Kerridge-Lall |
| Possession of loaded firearm | Stewart, Kerridge-Lall |
| Possession of prohibited firearm | Stewart, Kerridge-Lall |
Note that above list may get updated – that is, I would think it’s not final.
And in case you are wondering, there has been no Police update on the fatal shooting on 27 June 2022 at the Jamaican Patty Shop at 12 King Street East. The victim was Rohan Pyne, age 37, the store owner.
Resources
- Police page with details
- Cobourg Blog report on shooting plus first 2 arrests – 25 August 2023
- Shooting in Cobourg – 27 June 2022
Print Article:
Just watched a Program on TV from the USA
that states most / not all mental health issues in the Homeless / Street people
is exasperated and caused through excessive and repetitive Drug use
as well as excessive Alcohol consumption .
It was also one of the main reasons for the poverty stricken Lifestyles they lead .
Stricter control measures over their lives and public finances / support they receive ,need be taken for their better good
and that of society as a whole .
Chris is a Local —- He was a bad tenant of ours 20 yrs ago
Wife left him with the child He had a Union Job Just never show up to work
and supported him self through sales . ..Go ask him why he lost his Job
Mean while the rest of his no longer friends are still working a great job with all benefits and own great homes in the area and can probably retire in a couple more years .
They are real assets to the community but Chris wants you to think otherwise .
Thanks for confirming this Sandpiper! He sure looks and sounds hometown Cobourg to me…. Not an immigrant and not an ethnic minority…….. homemade problem no less…
Where on this board did anyone say he was not hometown Cobourg? Where on this board did anyone say drug dealer Chris Kneilands was an immigrant and an ethnic minority? Not sure if you are from Cobourg…but most of us know he is none of those. Drug dealer yes.
Bigger fish wanting owed $ from smaller fish. Contrary to Kneilands claim shooter was trying to sell them drugs & they chased them away. He also states in video, all can pay rent. Small town many know what’s what & who the dealers are. Also take note Kneilands own brother signed petition against 310 — what does that tell you? Do not forget Chance Brown admitted on camera all are addicts. PJ man could very well have walked across the street to Pete from the Illegal Tent (Crystal Meth & many others mimic same behaviour.) All just the norm for us now. We have eyes. https://todaysnorthumberland.ca/2023/08/18/target-of-shooting-in-cobourg-said-suspects-wanted-to-sell-drugs-at-encampment/
“Chris” in the video doesn’t speak like an immigrant or a foreign refugee. He looks and sounds like your typical run of the mill homegrown Cobourg resident. Same for Pajama preacher. Cornbread, Concerned Cobourg, Mr MacDonald what say you?
Easy, The PJ guy didn’t shoot off a gun.
Yeah – PJ guy is a model citizen contributing to the “small town charm”.
What are you going on about. Racists & small-minded?
OK Leslie – let me spell it out for you. Comments like “failed immigration system”, “forced diversity”, and “cultural enrichment” as sneers are not particular subtle pointers to the mindset of some residents in this town.
The overwhelming majority of addicts in this community are (a) white, (b) born and raised in Ontario, (c) started with prescription medications.
Voila – there you have it. I hope this helps. The gunplay is usually related to unpaid debts.
Yes, failed immigration. There are many immigrants who have been vetted and screened…on long waitlists from wore torn countries, like my grandparents. Then there are “illegal” immigrants who have not been vetted or gone through legal channels. Unsustainable.
”Forced diversity”, yes many feel that way. Why not focus on commonality, instead of differences, instead of building silos & creating division?
Are you aware of the children in New York forced out of their James Madison High School — to accommodate illegal unhoused immigrants? Do we want this for our children after covid lockdowns? Do we want billions sent to other countries, instead of taking care of the obvious issues in our own town & country? Voila.
Well voila and thank you Trudeau!
Another post proving that Trudeau is living in your brain!
Lol – did you get this from the drudge report or the Epoch Times? You are concerned about a High School in Brooklyn?
Illegal immigration not a big problem in Canada, many immigrants are actually leaving. Cost of living and no doubt the warm welcome certain locals give them. The migration tends to be South. Sorry to burst your bubble. Facts matter.
“Wore torn” wtf…
Yes. I am concerned. No I did not get my information from the Epoch Times. Regardless, so what if I did? I support lawful immigration. Roxham Road is well known for systemic illegal immigration in Canada. People have to come in the lawful way.
Perhaps, you may want to take a look at news other than the billion dollar funded CBC or Global news…they are funded by Goebbels, I mean JT. However, if you prefer biased news outlets, go for it.
This post is about 3 drug dealers charged with the attempted murder of a smaller local drug dealer…you may be way off topic here.
And the 3 dealers immigration status is known to you?….. or did you just assume they are IA’s? If you assumed they are illegal immigrants may I ask why? You astutely point out there is no mention of their citizenship in the article.
Crackerjacks brought up “failed immigration policies” and “forced diversity”. I just called it out.
Happy to provide this valuable service – so the community doesn’t get an unfair reputation for
bigotry.
Michael, no where did I say I knew the dealers immigration status…so no assumption did I make. I also did not astutely point out anything regarding their citizenship.
You came on here making assumptions and rudely calling people crackerjacks, bigots, racists and small minded.
how much federal funds does Global get?
Michael,
From the CBC 11 Jan 24
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ircc-immigration-housing-canada-1.7080376
This is the CBC reporting that the government employees warned the leaders that immigration was contributing the housing unaffordability and a strain on other government services.
Chow threatens increases in property taxes unless Ottawa increases funding to help with homeless refugee crisis in T.O.
Immigration legal, illegal is a problem in Canada. The nation does not have capacity- financially and logistically to absorb the numbers.
I trust what the CBC says and Olivia Chow says.
Facts Matter
In this case immigration is a problem
I totally agree, too many immigrants allowed in by Trudeau with no regard for infrastructure and resources in Canada. I am sure those returning to their home countries are the educated, it’s those that aspire to be Uber and door dash drivers we’re stuck with. They have no means to return home and they believe Trudeau’s liberals will provide. Trudeau has destroyed Canada.
Yet another post proving that Trudeau is living in your brain!
Michael,
Given the demographics of Cobourg and Northumberland, I would expect the majority of addicts to be white; given the majority of the residents are white.
Given that most of residents are white, it is a pretty safe bet that most were born and raised in Canada.
As for the presumption a person’ drug dependency started with prescribed drugs?
For some it was exposure to alcohol and cannabis, hash, hash oil at early ages. Others from pills and drugs shared by friends and family with the empty promise its ok; it wont hurt you.
And yes others that were treated for pain relief but improperly prescribed and monitored by their doctor and pharmacist.
As for the gun play, some times it is debt collection, but usually in the drug trade u dont kill off the customer. Some would say that is bad for business.
Most times it is because someone ripped you off or you were trying to rip off someone. Or a war over turf and who has a right to sell there.
Remember in drugs it all about the product and who controls it.
86% of opiate addiction across NA starts with prescription medication according to JAMA.
This is a good overview and there’s no paywall (Canadian perspective). All the best
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6034966/
Michael,
Thank u for sharing the study. I would like to have seen something more recent than Jun 2018. But this does lay out the trends we are currently seeing today.
When I look at the area: Prescription opioids: use, supply, and access.
It talks about prescription use in two terms-legally and misuse of prescriptions opioids – not legally prescribed or authorized for a person use.
The study draws on a 2017 Health Canada online survey.
In that survey 33% reporting using a prescription opioid (an opioid in the legal stream -legal for use if you a prescription) that they did not have a prescription for- so legal opioid diverted to the illegal market.
In the same study half the teens under 18 didn t have a prescription to use a prescription opioid.
And 88% didnt have a prescription who were accessing the illegal opioid stream- opioids not legally in Canada.
How were persons getting legal opioids- without a prescription. The study says
•Family sharing
•Double doctoring
•Prescription fraud/forgery
•Street dealers- who obtained thru illegal means
•Thefts/robberies
•Internet purchases
So to say 86 % opiate addication starts with prescription is misleading.
What the study shows is that people are illegally using prescription opioids and where and how they are obtaining a legal opioid (one properly allowed into Canada a legal for use with a prescription) to consume illegally
Brookside was only for juvenile offenders under the age of 18.
Looking forward to reading a binding agreement between Northumberland County and the Town of Cobourg on how 310 Division Street will be operated. Much like the November, 2023, document drawn up for 1635 Dundas Street in Whitby between the City of Whitby and the County of Durham. It should contain detailed representations and warranties regarding the care, nuture and police protection of nearby Cobourg residents and businesses. With extra attention to representations for when the 310 Division Street residents leave the building for any reason.
Not to mention the full Costs estimates of the operation as well as the exact Capacity
the County will really have living there its way more than 40 if they can ever get people there .
I would also like to know exactly why Cobourg Retirement Res . actually closed
where did the Senior Residents and staff go . Lots of rumors about this floating about .
https://cobourgpoliceservice.com/2024/01/16/chiefs-updates-2023/
10 min. utubevideo Jan. 2024 update by the police chief
At the end of the video media question to the chief – he responds – In the Whitby Durham agreement no formal role of police services.
It is evident that Northumberland County is just pushing forward this $2.3 million dollar error in judgement
They choose not to work together with residents, business owners, police, fire etc
They preferred to work alone, independent of any positive feedback/concerns raised by people that will be affected by this decision.
So, why would this binding agreement show any different results?
I’m sitting here in my lovely, warm home, looking out at the snow falling and listening to the wind… and imagining just what a horrible few days the encampment people have endured, sitting in their tents. Hot stove or not – they are suffering and I feel really bad for them. I don’t know what the answers to their problems are – and neither does anyone else, it seems. 310 Division will provide a warm home for those who wish to take advantage of “OUR” generosity – because, make no mistake, it is “US” who will be providing this, through our taxes, whether it be at the municipal, county, provincial or federal level. When the Woodlawn was purchased and set up as a rehab. centre, there was a great hue and cry about how it was going ruin Cobourg – well it hasn’t – let’s just hope that 310 Division, with experienced staff and proper programs, will be an answer for the vast majority of these poor souls. “Pajama preacher” I’m sure is an extreme example of mental illness compounded by illegal drug use – is he the “norm” – probably not – but he most definitely needs help. It’s human nature to be afraid of the unknown (which at the moment 310 Division “is”) — but it seems that it’s a “done deal” – and now we must work to ensure that it truly DOESN’T destroy Cobourg.
The hue and cry about the Woodlawn was more about the loss of one of the few nice venues in Cobourg, as opposed to the wealthier addicts using it to rehab. I doubt anyone has feared they will jump in front of your vehicle while you’re driving on Division.
The users of the Woodlawn are their because they want to be. They know they need to correct the path they are on. They sought out a facility staffed by trained persons, who know success.
The residents of Brookside Tent City were offered housing and other supports. Rooms sit empty. They turned them down because it is not on their terms.
The tent city residents rely on the support of groups with questionable goals and objectives and no successes, other than to keep vulnerable addicted people out in the cold.
Couldn’t agree more
Users of the Woodlawn are wealthy and motivated. Completely different demographic. Money changes everything when it comes to addiction……. No need for sex work, no need for petty crime – the trust fund covers the habit – until it doesn’t.
Sometimes good dreams turn into nightmare,Try not to eat before bedtime.
In the comments below Pete M lists several communities with small town charm people from Cobourg could move to, if they want that. Ken Strauss cautions these communities could grow as well. Pete M seems to be more optimistic that politicians will learn what went wrong in Cobourg and not repeat it.
Do you remember what we did about smoking tobacco? We handed out cigarettes to minors so they would have a safe supply, and did not tell parents. This reduced cigarette smoking and is why we have so few people addicted to tobacco. No, that doesn’t make any sense. I must be getting something wrong. Cigarette smoking has definitely decreased as you see few people standing outside stores smoking. Maybe this article will help:
Cory Morgan: The Addiction Enablement Approach Is Only Fuelling Drug Abuse | The Epoch Times
After reading the opinion piece, do you think our politicians have learned from the success of reducing tobacco and will apply the same policies to drugs? Also below, Dave mentions 500 homeless people are being moved from Toronto to Peterborough. If Cobourg had more shelter space we could help reduce this burden on Peterborough, and maybe even get some federal/provincial funding. Maybe politicians do not want to reduce drug use. Maybe Ken is right about politicians wanting growth.
Knowing now that Peterborough is to receive 500 homeless people would perhaps explain the rush 301 Division purchase by the County and its proposed use – to pick up the overflow.
This video/article by Pete Fisher last night is the latest example how Cobourg has deteriorated from a nice Town to not a nice town. This was by the warming centre. Also, Pete mentions Friday night gatherings in Victoria Park while By Law watches on? Are these replacing the Henley Arcade Friday night drug show?
https://todaysnorthumberland.ca/2024/01/13/editorial-video-pyjama-preacher-calls-out-the-demon-of-todays-northumberland/
There is no reason for law enforcement (By Law/CPS) to allow this type of behaviour.
Mr. Mayor – get real – do your job. You are the Mayor and suppose to be the #1 Leader/elected face of Cobourg. You can’t standby and justify this as being normal. Is it time to resign?
Some very serious mental health issues here with Mr. PJ person.
This type of Encounter is Nothing New over the last 2 yrs here in Town , Day or Night , and in fact has become quite common place in Cobourg these days — Why do you think everyone Seniors & Woman mostly are taking their daily Park or waterfront walks in pairs or groups Its scary can you imagine the effect this has on the College st and area Residents and or School age children .
May be Quarantine is the New Word we should use or impose for people that are this sick and need this much Help !! Who in their wright Mind would act like this infront of any figure of Authority — By Law or Police
Pete Fisher’s utube video’s tell many disturbing stories that many of us would not otherwise see if we do not live close to the drug homes or the encampments. I wish the person picking up the garbage would stop because residents need to see the damage being done by these people. The town should have left the damaged bus shelter there so the deterioration of this town is evident, maybe then we would get action
Forget Tourism as being Cobourg’s economic driver, it’s now guns, gangs from the GTA, drugs, homeless, addicted
and mentally ill.
How did this happen?
Appeasement!
-Feds change bail rules and gun laws- empowering gangs and illegal gun culture!
-Courts and Local governments allowing the homeless, the addicted and the mentally ill to live in tent cities and wandering the streets aimlessly. While at the same time allowing open unchallenged drug consumption.
– Local NGO’ s operating under the guise that they are there to help, but in fact are using the homeless and addicted to advance their own political agendas.
-Feckless Municipal Councils unwilling to use their powers and authorities, out of fear of push back from the vocal left minority.All the while hoping that the situation will self correct by giving them what they want.
A once proud caring thriving community is being exploited. What will be left is anyone’s guess.
For those longing for what Cobourg once was, I suggest those capable of moving to look at Campbellford, Brighton, Stirling, Millbrook, Hastings, Norwood.
the communities seem.to have not been infected by what afflicts Cobourg.
They still have their small town charm
PeteM, there is no guarantee that encouraging growth and other bad decisions won’t destroy those towns too; most politicians value growth above the best interests of the residents.
Ken,
You’re correct in your assessment. But I’m counting on those politicians will remember what happened and use it as a case study as they build sustainable communities. Communities that have strong policies and laws in place. Ones that are enforced to discourage the anti-social behaviour that plagues Cobourg.
PeteM, local politicians are only partially responsible for the destruction of Cobourg. I suspect that most in Ottawa have never heard of Cobourg and certainly won’t consider it a case study of the impacts of their ill conceived policies.
I’m hoping the local mayors and councillors in those local communities have watched and learned from Cobourg’s mistakes.
As for Ottawa, I’m praying that Canadians have learned from their mistakes of putting Justin in power and will correct at the ballot box!
Great team police work catching all three of these dangerous criminals. They should put them away and through away the key. But this is highly unlikely given the court system allowing that last one out on house arrest after being charged in a previous crime for attempted murder involving a fire arm. Are you bloody kidding me how the hell is this possible. Shocking really and great motivation for the police to put their lives on the line to make these arrests. No words to really express my shock and anger with the current court system.
The original problem stems from our failed Immigration System run by a bunch of government lawyers. Watch out, they are about to mess up again.
cornbread – you’ll be interested to know that 500 people – the overflow from the shelters in Toronto currently sleeping on the street, comprised of illegal, unscreened refugees and I guess the general homeless – are to be moved and housed in a building in Peterborough announced recently on CHEX News. Who to blame? Seems obvious to me – the government making these policies led by the “Right Honourable Justin Trudeau”. A hop skip and a jump from our community.
The consumers for the most part aren’t immigrants. Why mention immigration ?(rhetorical question – don’t bother answering )
All these criminals were brought here because of drugs. There have been pictures taken and posted on line of drug deals going down in our Town. When was the last time our expensive Police Force made a drug bust?
Very hard to justify 4 more Police Officers when the Public hears of how many are actually on active duty at any given time.
I guess we won’t get rid of our Police Force until the OPP start charging the Town every time they are called for assistance.
Umm hate to burst your bubble but.. when drug charges are filed its just not CPS that have to be involved. Ever think that CPS has joint efforts? Of course not.. just from your comments. Seriously need to stop and think before comments are wrote.
Most of these dealers are outside of Cobourg. As far as OPP goes , we’ll now.. have we heard a THING about anyone or any crime happening that was put over to OPP ? No we haven’t. Seriously need to stop and think about what your saying
What has not been disclosed so far is ????
Who were they after at the Encampment ???
Why were they after that person or persons ??
and
Why are the people being sought by the shooters
probably for a number of reasons we can all only imagine still at large or residing
here .?. Oh they are now witnesses . !
What’s Crime is worse to kill someone by Gunshot or selling drugs to them .???????????????
Thanks John for keeping us informed.
“cultural enrichment”
And forced “diversity.”
Doesn’t take much to get the racists ranting….. most opioid addiction affects whites but don’t let facts cloud your biases….. small town doesn’t have to mean small mind.
I wonder where the bullets will land when the drug dealers have gun fights outside of 310 Division Street? 310 Division Street is the wrong spot to house drug addicts.
“Not to worry” Just recite three Hail Mary’s, (4 or more if you have sinned) Crouch down real low, advance side to side real fast. If all good be thankful and pass it forward. repeat daily if necessary.
Yes, 310 Division should not be housing addicts. But where should we put them? Can we put them anywhere? Drug rehab or jail are 2 options but apparently we cannot force them into rehab and too many people want to make illegal drug use acceptable to try to jail them. In BC the government might even be supplying ‘safe fentanyl’ to children. With that kind of policy I wouldn’t be surprised if homeless drug addicts start running for council. Why not? (Biological) Men are allowed to compete, and win, in women’s sports. Drug dealers do not want gun fights is my guess. It attracts too much attention and is still investigated and punished by our justice system. However, guns are used in the drug trade. There is security at the warming room so maybe there will be security at 310 Division as well. We all need to express our legitimate concerns to the County and local council. JD has a link near the top of the right hand column.
Drug dealers …automatic jail..definitely not catch and release…if that even takes place …yet there’s no public mention of them.
Is that now a policy to protect the identity of the law breakers who are destroying lives ?
Brookside Provincial establishment where former serious law breakers spent their time has been empty for years now with homeless/drug users of all ages now occupying its grounds with government approval and clean up of the occupants’ rubbish provided.
The inmates are in charge of the asylum it appears as the law appears to be more concerned about the rights of those that break the law instead of the safety of the law abiding tax paying public.
This is not rampant bullying school playground activity that’s taking place but destruction of lives and communities with support of some gullible local citizens.
The government overuses its favourite term “moving forward” when in essence it’s reversing and standing still when it comes to this issue.
It’s way past time the legal system is changed to reverse the current policies towards crime before it becomes a reality that citizens have to actively defend themselves and their properties as the law at all levels definitely is failing them.
Time will tell…
I think of this story frequently: https://www.squamishchief.com/north-news/nwt-rcmp-warn-against-vigilante-justice-after-assaults-in-fort-mcpherson-7184982
When is enough enough?
“Vigilante justice” defending your own property and family ?!? 😳
Refuse all Emergency Medical to this location as “Too Dangerous”.
Yes, 310 Division St. should NOT be a transition house. Yet the Mayor is asking us to attend the meetings with the County and support his idea that a County/Town agreement should be signed, as 310 is a done deal. His solutions are all over the place.
County/Town council are not for some reason receiving the message, No transition house at 310 Division St. It is NOT a done deal Mr. Mayor.
Our good mayor quickly went from wanting to lead everything to trust the expects. Are we not enjoying the bus ride yet?
https://thshelter.ca/about-us/
LC, IMO, talks out of both sides of his mouth depending on the audience. He also wants to put a municipal councilor on the TH Board. Why is he trying to push this forward when the concerns of citizens have not been addressed?
The excellent presentations against TH at 310 Division St spoke volumes as well as the 970 signatures on the petition, rejected by county as per their policy. Ok but at least recognize those citizens concerns. The CAO said they hired a consultant to review the survey and give a report. More money wasted.
Who is driving the bus, as you can see from the TH website the partners etc are funded directly and indirectly from taxpaying citizens
He certainly does. Unfortunately the writing was on the wall. Hopefully we can learn that voting for someone with zero experience is a bad idea. Winning a popularity contest can’t be the only qualification for this important position.
I must be a space cadet tonight. While I know who LC is and what IMO means, however, TC has me stumped. What or who is TC. Thank you in advance.
“TC”? Do you mean “TH” or Transition House?