North Bay Police has laid numerous charges following a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of weapons, drugs, and the arrest of four individuals.
At approximately 12:20 a.m. on September 9, 2025, NBPS conducted a traffic stop after an Automated Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) alerted that the vehicle owner was a suspended driver. The vehicle was occupied by four individuals. During an interaction with the driver, a handgun was observed on the floor between the driver’s feet. Additional officers attended, and all four occupants were taken into custody without incident.
Subsequent searches led to the seizure of the following items:
- Two imitation handguns
- A set of brass knuckles
- 3.5 grams of suspected cocaine
- 1.5 grams of suspected fentanyl
Police observed that the driver was showing visible signs of impairment. An evaluation by a trained Drug Recognition Expert revealed the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired.
“Technology like Automated Licence Plate Readers enhances our ability to identify and intercept dangerous offenders before they can cause further harm,” said Inspector McFarlane of the North Bay Police Service. “This was excellent work by our patrol officers, who acted quickly, managed a high-risk situation professionally, and ensured the safety of the community and everyone involved.”
The accused, Devin Etherington, 36-year-old, male, of North Bay, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Two Counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Careless Storage of a Firearm
- Occupant of Motor Vehicle Knowing there was a Firearm
- Two Counts of Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order
The first co-accused, Gerrick Gauthier, 33-year-old, male, of North Bay, has been charged with:
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Two Counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Drive Motor Vehicle – No Licence
- Operation While Impaired
The second co-accused, Victoria Goodwin, 33-year-old, female, of North Bay, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Two Counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of a Prohibited Device
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon
The third co-accused, Rosemary Assinewe, 55-year-old, female, of North Bay, has been charged with:
- Two Counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
The accused, first co-accused, and second co-accused were arrested and held in custody pending a bail hearing. The third co-accused was arrested and released on an Undertaking with a future court date.
