Accused in downtown shooting faces attempted murder charge

A simple white paper note is attached to the glass door of 60-year-old Tony Monteleone's Durham Street store, Monteleone Custom Fashions.

"Get well soon, Tony! You're in our thoughts. STAY STRONG."

Tony Monteleone in 2008. Photo by Marg Seregelyi.

The businessman was shot in the abdomen around noon on Oct. 6, and is now recovering in the hospital. On Oct. 7, police said Monteleone was in stable condition.

The accused in the incident, 65-year-old Alex Klem, was arrested in a high-risk vehicle stop on The Kingsway within three hours of the initial shooting, police said. He was found with two loaded firearms in his possession. Klem was arrested in a grey Mazda van, which he allegedly stole after ditching the white 2008 Dodge Ram pick-up truck used to leave Monteleone's shop.

Police said after leaving the Durham Street scene, Klem visited a Martindale Road home where he threatened the homeowner with a gun. He stole the homeowner's van and some other items before ditching the white pick-up truck.

Police said both Monteleone and the homeowner knew the accused.

“If not for the quick action of the dedicated members of the Greater Sudbury Police Service, with the assistance of the media and the public, further acts of violence may have been perpetrated by the accused on this day,” Greater Sudbury Police Insp. Todd Zimmerman stated in a press release.

The two vehicles will be searched by police for evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.

Klem is facing charges of attempted murder, robbery using a firearm, uttering threats, forcible confinement, obstructing police, two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, and three counts of weapons dangerous.

There are further charges pending against the accused.