Tragedy averted at RR Legion

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Tragedy was averted Saturday in Rainy River as a local man threatened to bring a gun to the local Legion.
Don Ivall of Rainy River had called his daughter, who does not live in the community and told her he was going to do something involving a gun and the Rainy River Legion, Major Hughes Br. 54.
She called the legion to warn them. Legion Executive member Bob Johnston ordered the club locked down around 6:30 p.m. Ivall was sitting in his car just outside the club. The police were also called.
Patron Vaughn Murray stayed on the phone with police until they arrived.
One Ontario Provincial Policeman barricaded Main Street until back up arrived.
Johnston said, “He tried the door but it was locked and we had the lights turned out. We could see him but he could not see us.”
Several customers in the club were let out the south side door during the lock down as they were on their way to the Frankie Valli tribute at the community centre. Ivall did not bother them.
Once back-up arrived the police approached Ivall’s car and he was arrested without incident. A loaded gun was found in the car. Ivall had reportedly been drinking prior to the incident.
No one was hurt. No report from the O.P.P. was available at press time.