Three people, including a 16-year-old, are facing a number of charges after what police call a case of “historic and ongoing” abuse came to light this week, resulting in a major police operation on Bell Island yesterday.

The police investigation was launched after the alleged victim showed up at the Bell Island RCMP detachment on Monday afternoon reporting incidents of forcible confinement, assault, assault with the use of weapons, and threats.

The RCMP’s Critical Incident Program, Emergency Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team and drone operators were sent to Bell Island early yesterday morning to assist local officers in making arrests. Area residents say it appears as though tear gas was used during the police operation.

A 48-year-old man was taken into custody around 6:00 a.m. A 43-year-old woman was arrested on charges of obstruction and was released to appear at a later date. A 16-year-old boy was also arrested, but refused to go quietly. He was charged with resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.

The 48-year-old man is now facing charges including forcible confinement, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault, assault and uttering threats.

RCMP say the investigation continues and further charges, including firearms-related charges, are possible.

All three suspects will see a judge at a later date.