Hanmer, Canada – A series of alarming incidents culminating in a home invasion last Friday has brought Brent Bertrand, a 36-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history, back into police custody. Authorities from Greater Sudbury arrested Bertrand at Pharand Street following a public notice, detailing charges including assault, break and entry, making threats, theft, and mischief.
On the afternoon of September 11, Bertrand allegedly broke into a residence on Theresa Avenue, where he reportedly assaulted an individual and stole various items before escaping on foot. The homeowner sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident, which police described as targeted due to prior acquaintance between Bertrand and the individuals involved.
This arrest comes after a notorious pattern of criminal behavior by Bertrand, spanning over a decade. He previously admitted to several violent offenses and struggled with drug addiction, contributing to his extensive record. His criminal activities range from assault with a weapon to impaired driving and possession of controlled substances.
In an earlier case from 2013, Bertrand was sentenced to nine months in jail after he and an accomplice forced their way into a Capreol home. The duo assaulted the residents with bear mace before fleeing the scene. Particularly shocking was a 2020 incident where Bertrand, in a fit of anger, forcefully ejected a man from his wheelchair and kicked him twice in the head, resulting in a 105-day jail sentence.
Police records from that year also reflect drug-related offenses and the illegal possession of weapons, including brass knuckles and a switchblade. The law caught up with Bertrand multiple times, with further arrests in 2021 and 2022 for impaired driving and possession of dangerous drugs like cocaine and fentanyl.
These consistent run-ins with the law paint a complex picture of a man repeatedly clashing with societal norms and legal boundaries. Local authorities and the community hope that this latest arrest will lead to a more permanent solution, preventing future incidents and addressing Bertrand’s underlying issues.
The Greater Sudbury Police continue to investigate the details surrounding the latest break-in and expect more information to be released as their inquiries progress. Meanwhile, residents of Hanmer are left uneasy, reminded of the fragility of their safety in what is usually a peaceful community. This latest episode serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces with repeat offenders in the region.