Ronald MacDonald behind bars after manhunt (update)

London Community News

Update: (3:15 p.m. Sept. 12) The London police report they have arrested Ronald Joseph MacDonald in London without incident just before 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The 54-year-old suspect is facing nearly 10 firearm-related charges, as well as possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and the production of marijuana. Dennis Rivest, a spokesman with the London police, said he’s unsure if any additional charges will be laid at this time. __________ Police are continuing the search Tuesday (Sept. 11) for a man, now considered one of London’s most wanted, accused of firing a rifle at a trio of men snooping around marijuana growing in fields northeast of the city last weekend. Ronald Joseph MacDonald, 54, is wanted for using a firearm while committing an indictable offence, three counts of assault with a weapon, careless use of a firearm, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, pointing a firearm, unlicensed possession of an unregistered firearm, possessing a firearm while knowingly not being the holder of a licence, possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and production of marijuana. The charges relate to an altercation on Saturday (Sept. 8) at 8 p.m. when the trio of men were confronted by the suspect after he found them looking for marijuana in a field. Police said the suspect allegedly pointed a rifle at the men and at one point during the confrontation allegedly struck one of the men in the head with the butt of the rifle. The suspect told the men to leave the area and as the trio fled, the suspect allegedly fired several shots in their direction. Following the altercation, police launched a manhunt in northeast London for MacDonald, who is considered armed and dangerous. “You’re talking about an individual who fired a weapon at other people,” said Const. Dennis Rivest, a spokesman for the London Police Service. “That’s a serious offence.” He added police were continuing to follow up on “several tips and leads” as of Tuesday and MacDonald was being added to the service’s most wanted page. MacDonald is described as white, five-foot-11, 200 pounds, with black receding hair, a full beard and hazel eyes. The manhunt began at about 2 p.m. Saturday and gained widespread attention when police arrived at the Forest City National Golf Course in the middle of a Mothers Against Drunk Driving golf tournament. Tweets from people participating in the tournament started appearing on Twitter at about 2:30 p.m. “MC’ing the MADD Golf Tournament. We only got 3 holes played before London Police called everyone off the course to conduct manhunt #LDNont,” tweeted Steve Stax, who works for 102.3 BOB FM. “This is a first… @MADDldn golf tournament on hold while police chase an armed suspect on the course,” wrote Christine Taleski. Roadblocks were quickly set up in the area and canine units, tactical units and the police LAV assisted in the search. London police and OPP are involved in the investigation. Police advise anyone who sees MacDonald not to approach him and to call 911 immediately. Anyone with information in relation to this incident or the whereabouts of MacDonald is asked to call the London Police Service at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to www.londoncrimestoppers.com.