A suspect is in custody following an extensive manhunt north of Port Hope on Friday morning.
Northumberland OPP closed several roads and businesses were evacuated as police searched for a suspect following a fire at a motel just north of Port Hope.
OPP say firefighters responded around 8;20 a.m. to a hotel room fire at the Budget Inn Motel on County Road 2 in the community of Welcome, just outside Port Hope.
A fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported.
However, an occupant in the unit was seen fleeing the scene and OPP were treating him as a suspect in connection to the fire. It was believed he was carrying a handgun and wearing a bulletproof vest (body armour), OPP said.
OPP – including the Central Region canine unit and Emergency Response Team – searched for the suspect in the immediate wooded area north of County Road 2, west of County Road 10 and south of Line 4. County Road 2 between County Road 10 and Kellog Road was closed in Welcome. Residents and visitors were advised to stay inside or avoid the area.
Just before noon, OPP confirmed with Global News Peterborough that a suspect was in custody after being found in the wooded area.
The search included assistance from Port Hope Police Service, East Region Tactical Rescue Unit and the Aviation Unit (helicopter).
Around 2:35 p.m., OPP stated the suspect fled through a rear window of the hotel unit.
Two firearms were seized upon the arrest of the suspect. He was taken to Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg with minor injuries sustained during the apprehension, OPP said.
The investigation continues by members of the Northumberland OPP’s Crime Unit and Central Region Forensic Identification Services.
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On Tuesday, OPP stated Miles Barton, 47, of East York has been charged with:
- Arson – Damage to property
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm/ammunition
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Carrying a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner
- Possession of imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Failure to comply with a probation order (2 counts)
- He was held for a bail hearing in court in Cobourg on Aug. 6.
WATCH: Earlier footage of the manhunt
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