Authorities have reported a tense situation in the Port-Alfred sector of La Baie after a man was spotted carrying what appeared to be parts of a firearm along with a chainsaw. The incident unfolded on March 14, 2025, around noon, prompting immediate concern among local residents.
The individual's suspicious behavior was first brought to police attention by a concerned citizen who reported seeing him walking on 6th Avenue, potentially armed. This prompted the Saguenay Police Service (SPS) to initiate a large-scale search operation. Police spokesperson Carl Tremblay stated, "We launched an important search operation immediately following the reports. Teams were deployed to locate the individual quickly."
By approximately 2:30 PM the same day, law enforcement located and arrested the man at his home, taking him seriously due to the possible threat he presented. “Thanks to new leads, including photos and videos from citizens, we were able to find the person we were searching for,” Tremblay confirmed. He added, “The arrest at this moment is only for investigative purposes, and no charges have been filed against him yet.”
The concern prompted by this event led to precautionary measures being implemented at nearby schools, particularly at École secondaire des Grandes-Marées and École Médéric-Gravel. The local school service, called the Centre de services scolaire des Rives-du-Saguenay, advised parents via communications to keep their children inside the school as authorities worked to ascertain the details surrounding the incident. Tremblay noted, "Students were able to return home safely," once the situation was secured.
Additional safety measures included having municipal employees at the theater where the sightings occurred also stay inside, reflective of the seriousness with which the police approached the matter. Tremblay clarified, "This was not a 'lockdown' as some media outlets have reported. We simply wanted to make sure there was no one on the sidewalks or within the reach of the individual."
The investigation is currently active, with SPS working to gather evidence and determine if any charges related to reckless conduct or illegal possession of weapons could be applicable. The police are aiming to substantiate their findings, which might lead to the issuance of search warrants as they continue to collect facts surrounding the case. Tremblay explained, "Offering anything resembling a weapon on public grounds is considered illegal. Now, our teams need to gather evidence to support our case."
Local parents expressed their gratitude for the responsive law enforcement presence during the event. Many were reassured to see police officers positioned at various corners within the neighborhood, committed to maintaining safety until the situation was completely defused. “It’s comforting to see the police take our community's safety seriously,” shared one parent as she picked up her child.
By the evening of March 14, the SPS confirmed continued investigation efforts were underway, but no conclusive evidence had led to charges being filed against the man. Media reports have also pointed out the importance of cooperation between the police and the community after citizens shared many photos and videos of the incident, assisting officers significantly during their investigation.
Authorities have stressed the need for vigilance as they continue to conduct inquiries and gather information to assess any potential threats seriously. This incident serves as a reminder not just of the occasional risks present but also of the commendable resources committed by local police to address public safety effectively and swiftly.