Former Oshawa councillor charged in standoff faces more charges

A former Oshawa city councillor charged with kidnapping a man at gunpoint and engaging in a standoff with police last month faces more charges.

Robert Lutczyk, 45, made a court appearance on Thursday where new charges relating to the possession of explosive devices and prohibited weapons were added, bringing the total number of criminal offences to 26.

Lutczyk already faced a slew of charges, including kidnapping, uttering threats and forcible confinement after a string of events that began Oct. 15.

He is accused of abducting Oshawa city solicitor David Potts at gunpoint outside his home after a council meeting.

The victim was forced into a vehicle, police said. Officers tracked the car down and Potts was freed unharmed, but the driver took off and ended up in an auto repair shop in an industrial area on Hopkins Street in Whitby.

Lutczyk then barricaded himself inside. The situation ended peacefully 27 hours later when he surrendered to police.

There’s no official word on what prompted the alleged abduction, but reports suggest there was a personal issue with Potts. Police said at a news conference he was upset with the city over the way some business matters were handled.

With files from Erin Criger

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today