Sudbury shelter staff call police for help over safety concerns

The staff who operate the Out of the Cold Emergency Shelter had to call police Monday night, according to the City of Greater Sudbury.

The city said an incident occurred, but more details can't be provided as it's now a police matter, noting that police were called because of a risk to health and safety within the shelter.

The Sudbury Coalition Against Poverty said three of its members were arrested for trying to help someone who had been barred from the shelter.

One person was also removed from the shelter by police several days ago because of aggressive behaviour. 

Greater Sudbury Police confirmed they were called to the shelter on Larch Street on Monday, as staff believed their safety was "in jeopardy."

Police say that most of the people were cooperative and left when asked by police, but three refused to leave and were arrested and charged with causing a disturbance, as well as failing to leave premises when directed contrary to the Trespass Act.

"The Greater Sudbury Police Service respects that everyone has the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly," police stated in a press release. 

"However these rights need to be balanced when the safety and security of individuals is at risk."