(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
It’s something that’s becoming a regular occurrence in Cobourg.
More questions than answers stemming from an incident in downtown.
In this case, more answers need to come from Cobourg Police and/or The Town of Cobourg itself.
Let’s go back to Wednesday, October 22, 2025 in Cobourg.
It was around 11 p.m. when a special council meeting was over.
Councillors were leaving Victoria Hall.
It was around that time, that Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland was approached by a man who became “verbally aggressive” police said two days later in a press release.
A witness told Today’s Northumberland the person was yelling at the mayor and a security guard was also outside standing near the two men.
The person was yelling so loud it echoed down the main street.
Councillor Adam Bureau approached from Second Street and got in between the individual and Cleveland appearing to try and calm the person down.
The individual had a wagon with a number of items with him.
A short time after the security guard went inside, then three police cruisers arrived and the male was handcuffed and placed into the back of a police cruiser and taken away.
On Friday morning Cobourg Police issued a press release stating there would be no charges stemming from the incident
There are a number of serious concerns that remain outstanding from police and the mayor.
· were there witness statements given to police?
If there were witness statements that possibly confirmed threats were made, then is it up to the victim for charges to be laid or not?
· the release states that following the investigation and “in consultation with the victim” the man was released unconditionally.
There are a number of questions regarding the statement, especially given that the mayor issued a statement himself.
Cleveland called it an “issue” regarding his “personal safety.”
“I can’t discuss publicly the details regarding matters of my personal safety and security.”
If Cleveland’s states the matter was regarding his personal safety and police state the man was “verbally aggressive” then why wouldn’t there be charges, especially if witness statements were given and there was video of the incident?
Lastly, in the police press release it states the person was “damaging a display of Halloween decorations on the property.”
That property would be Victoria Hall which belongs to the citizens of Cobourg who expect accountability.
If the person was actually “damaging” the Halloween display – wouldn’t that call for a criminal charge?
Lastly, the press release by police ends by stating, “following the police investigation, and in consultation with the victim and in recognition of public interest, no charges were laid and the man was released unconditionally.”
What stands out is “in recognition of public interest.”
The downtown has been getting steadily worse for a number of reasons.
Police have it tough. They are criticized more than ever these days. Sometimes rightly criticized and sometimes not.
Frontline officers have it the worst. Everyone has a camera on their cell phone and a few seconds that don’t show the entire story can be misinterpreted.
But, at times, the upper echelon of Cobourg Police haven’t been that forthcoming with issues concerning citizens safety in the area.
When the mayor says the “issue” was regarding his “personal safety” it becomes a public issue where citizens shouldn’t have to guess what happened that night.
The Cobourg Mayor was coming out of Victoria Hall after a council meeting.
Victoria Hall should stand as one of, if not thee most safest place in this town next to the police station.
The incident took place just after both Cleveland and Bureau were acting on behalf of the citizens of Cobourg.
In his statement, the Mayor thanks Cobourg Councillor Adam Bureau who is also Chair of the Cobourg Police Services Board for his assistance there is simply more to this story that isn’t being told.
Since there are no charges, this entire incident, including video, should be released to the public.
Repeating the words of the Cobourg Police press release – “in recognition of public interest” we need to know more.
Today’s Northumberland has applied for a Freedom of Information request with the Cobourg Police on Friday, October 24, 2025 for any video of the incident.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
