A situation where a purportedly "missing" person was found two months later in good health in the company of the woman who made the missing person’s report in the first place has led to obstruction charges.
The accused contacted Greater Sudbury Police Aug. 28, requesting a well‐being check for an individual. Police initiated an investigation, but were unable to obtain any information related to the person’s whereabouts.
Officers continued to follow up on the incident over the next two weeks, when the decision was made to escalate the incident to a missing persons investigation.
The case was assigned to the Missing Persons Unit Sept. 13 for further investigation due to concerns about the length of time the individual had reportedly not been seen or heard from.
Throughout the investigation, officers had multiple points of contact with the accused, who repeatedly denied having any information about the individual’s location.
The investigation revealed the accused was not only believed to be in contact with the missing person, but was also living with them.
On Oct. 30, officers not only located the missing person in good health, but also in the company of the accused.
The 31-year-old Sudbury woman was charged with obstructing a peace officer Nov. 4, and released on an undertaking. She is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 17.
“Police remind the public that missing persons investigations are complex and resource‐intensive, requiring significant time, personnel, and coordination across multiple units,” said a press release.
“Providing false information or deliberately misleading investigators is a criminal offence that diverts critical resources, delays responses to other urgent incidents, and undermines public safety and trust.”