Police arrest 'remorseful' fishing line prankster
Police say lines strung up along Boulevard Lake could have seriously injured or killed someone
Thunder Bay Police have arrested a 22-year-old man who they say was responsible for stringing fishing line across pathways at Boulevard Lake park over the weekend.
Once the man was identified, officers spoke with him. Police said he was very co-operative and remorseful about his actions, which he said were intended to be a prank. He was charged with mischief early Monday morning and released on a notice to appear in court at a future date.
Fishing line was strung between trees, about 5 feet from the ground, across several points on the walking-biking path.
Police said people could have been seriously injured or killed if they had run into them.
'Have to be careful'
Walkers at Boulevard Lake on Sunday called the act disturbing.
"That's terrible," said Arlene Currie. "I don't know how anybody would have even thought of that or what they're thinking."
Her husband, Dave Currie, said walkers might see the fishing line before hitting it, but cyclists would be particularly at risk.
"If you were coming along on a bike or something you definitely wouldn't see it," added Arlene.
Joanie Ashlee and Lynne Martin said they specifically chose Boulevard Lake for their walk on Sunday to show the incident wouldn't stop them.
"It's kind of typical of what some low-lifes decide to do for fun, I think," said Martin. "So to have people stay away would be the wrong thing. Just have to be careful and watch for it."
"We're not going to let something stupid like that keep people from going where they want to go," added Ashlee.
Staff Sgt. Paolo Rodeghiero told CBC News a passerby discovered the fishing line on Saturday and reported it to police. He said five lines were found on the south side of the lake.
He said no one had been hurt.
Thunder Bay police are asking people to be on the lookout while using the paths and to contact them with any information regarding the incidents.