Court Records Reveal Previous Conviction for Sault Ste. Marie Gunman

Facts About the Case

Newly released court records have shed light on the background of the individual responsible for the recent violent intimate partner attack in Sault Ste. Marie. The Canadian Press identifies the gunman as Bobbie Hallaert, a 44-year-old man who was found guilty of assaulting a police officer in 2019.

According to court documents obtained by CTV News, Hallaert faced charges of resisting arrest, assaulting a Sault police officer, and breaking their glasses during an incident on December 14, 2019. However, a plea bargain led to Hallaert being convicted only of assaulting a peace officer, with the other charges being withdrawn. He received a conditional discharge and 12 months of probation as a result of this conviction.

A Tragic Incident

Earlier this week, Hallaert shot and killed four individuals, including his three children and a 41-year-old woman, in two separate homes located three kilometers apart. Another woman, aged 45, was also injured by a gunshot wound. The bodies of the children, aged six, seven, and twelve, were discovered in the second home, where Hallaert was also found deceased with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Insights into Hallaert’s Background

The court records reveal that the same address where the tragic incident occurred was listed on Hallaert’s probation order from 2021. As part of his probation, Hallaert was prohibited from possessing any weapons and was required to participate in assessment, counselling, or rehabilitative programs, particularly those addressing alcohol abuse. Additionally, he was instructed to complete 20 hours of community service.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigations

The Sault Ste. Marie courthouse has informed CTV News via email that there may be additional charges against Hallaert in Barrie. Efforts are currently underway to gather more information from the Barrie courthouse, and updates will be provided as soon as new details emerge.

FAQ

Q: Who is Bobbie Hallaert?

Bobbie Hallaert is the 44-year-old man responsible for the violent intimate partner attack in Sault Ste. Marie. He was found guilty of assaulting a police officer in 2019 and had a probation order in place at the time of the recent incident.

Q: How many people were killed in the attack?

Four individuals were killed in the attack, including Hallaert’s three children and a 41-year-old woman.

Q: What were the conditions of Hallaert’s probation?

As part of his probation, Hallaert was not allowed to possess any weapons. He was also required to attend and actively participate in assessment, counselling, or rehabilitative programs, specifically addressing alcohol abuse. Additionally, he had to complete 20 hours of community service.

Q: Are there any ongoing investigations?

There may be additional charges against Hallaert in Barrie, and investigations are currently underway to gather more information about these charges.