News release

34-year-old man charged with attempted murder, several other charges

April 16, 2025 - Kingsclear First Nation, New Brunswick
From: New Brunswick RCMP

Content

On July 4, 2025, 15 additional charges of attempted murder and discharging a firearm at police were laid against Michael Christopher Sabattis in Fredericton Provincial Court. He was remanded into custody and will reappear in court on July 25, 2025, to set dates for a preliminary trial. 

A 34-year-old man from Kingsclear First Nation, N.B., has been charged with attempted murder following a significant incident in the community.

On April 15, 2025, at approximately 12:35 p.m., members of the Keswick RCMP detachment responded to a report of an assault at a residence on Tomahawk Avenue on Kingsclear First Nation. When members arrived at the scene they located the suspect, a 34-year-old man who was known to police, outside of the residence. The man threatened police before barricading himself inside of the residence with a weapon.

Several RCMP specialized policing services including the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, Crisis Negotiation Team, and Explosive Disposal Unit, as well as the Fredericton Police Force Emergency Response Team attended the scene and set up containment.

The situation escalated a short time later when the man began firing dozens of gunshots at police through the windows of the residence. Police did not return fire at any point during the incident. Seven RCMP vehicles including the Tactical Armoured Vehicle were struck and sustained significant damages. A member of the RCMP Emergency Response team was also struck in the head by a bullet; fortunately, the member was wearing a ballistic helmet and did not sustain any serious injuries.

Crisis negotiators attempted to negotiate with the man, but he refused to surrender. Police deployed CS gas (tear gas) into the residence which forced the 34-year-old man and a second individual, a 50-year-old woman, to exit. Both individuals were arrested.

The 50-year-old woman was later released from custody.

On April 16, Michael Sabattis appeared in Fredericton Provincial Court and was charged with:

• Attempted murder
• Discharge of a firearm with intent
• Aggravated assault
• Assault
• Uttering threats

He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to return to court at a later date.

“This was an extremely dangerous situation that had the potential to result in significant injuries and even loss of life,” said Sgt. Stephane Esculier of the West District RCMP. “The phenomenal police work executed by our general duty members, specialized units and the Fredericton Police Force, allowed this situation to come to a successful resolution with no physical injuries sustained by frontline officers.”

At the time, the incident did not meet the criteria for an Alert Ready. As a safety precaution, several nearby residences were evacuated while the remainder of residents in the community were advised to shelter in place, and the public was asked to avoid the area.

Members of the Upper Kingsclear Fire Department and the Department of Justice and Public Safety also attended the scene.

The investigation is ongoing. 

Contacts