A 31-year-old Prince Edward County man will serve time in jail after shooting himself in May of last year (2024) on Union Street in Picton.
Joshua Cronkwright was demonstrating how to hide the weapon inside his pants to someone on a video call inside his residence when it fired, wounding his thigh.
OPP and paramedics responded and Cronkwright told them he was outside when he was shot by someone who fled on foot.
Police called in specialized units, set up containment, and issued a “stay at home” order to residents throughout the county. After almost 24 hours the order was lifted after a woman who was with Cronkwright when the incident occurred eventually confessed what actually happened.
Mr. Justice Geoffrey Griffin sentenced Cronkwright to 10 months in prison followed by 15 months probation. He must also provide a DNA sample.
Griffin said despite the fact that Cronkwright pleaded guilty, had a supportive family, was said to be a good father to two young daughters, and was getting set to launch a drywall business, what he did was a serious criminal offence that could not be deterred by a conditional sentence which would allow him to escape prison time.
“No one would possess a sawed-off shotgun, or even think of sawing a shotgun off, unless they were pursuing a criminal lifestyle,” said the judge.
Justice Griffin said Cronkwright’s lying to police led to a very costly investigation and caused the residents of the county to live in fear for their safety, believing a rogue shooter could be on the loose.
Cronkwright was sentenced on public mischief, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and possession of a prohibited weapon charges.
The Crown had requested a two-year jail sentence while the defence asked for a conditional sentence with strict conditions.
