The Sarnia Police Service has received numerous calls from residents in the area of Northern High School and Rosedale Public School with complaints of thefts from vehicles and garages overnight. Footprints were observed in the snow going from vehicle to vehicle as the culprits searched for unlocked cars or open doors.

As the thieves moved along their path, they discarded items that weren’t of interest to them. A quantity of miscellaneous items has been recovered, including first aid kits, sunglasses, paperwork, small pouches and other small items.

If you realize that you are missing items, we may have them. On Sunday, Constable Mark DAVID #194 will be your point of contact to make a report or attempt to claim your property. On Monday and Tuesday, Constable Scott OOSTERHOF will have the found property. You can contact 519-344-8861 and describe your lost items to the officers.

If anyone in that area has video surveillance cameras and have captured suspicious persons on them overnight, we are interested in those images in order to identify any suspects.

Staff Sergeant Michael Van Sickle #181
D Platoon – Community Response Division

Over the course of the weekend, the Sarnia Police Service responded to approximately 244 calls for service. Calls included the following:

17 – Alarms

10 – Ambulance assists

9 – Break and enter

7 – Disturb the peace

10 – Domestic disputes

5 – Family disputes

7 – Motor vehicle collisions

6 – Noise complaints

8 – Person welfare/well-being checks

8 – Thefts

5 – Traffic complaints

6 – Trespass to property

21 – Unwanted persons

Road officers conducted approximately 15 routine traffic stops for various driving-related concerns. Officers also issued 18 Provincial Offence Notices (tickets) over the weekend for various offences.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer and Executive Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On Saturday, November 27, 2021, a traditional ceremony was held at the Sarnia Police Tactical and Academic Training Centre located at the Lambton Mall.  This ceremony was held to honour a traditional painting commissioned by Aamjiwnaag artist John Williams, assisted by his son Theo, who are of Ojibway and Mohawk descent of the bear clan.  In 1992 John attend the Ontario College of Art with his first art show in 2008.    He is a well-known artist in the local area who has commissioned many other art pieces, however, this is the first one he has done for a Police Service.  John is a very passionate artist who is doing his part to preserve the indigenous way of life through his paintings.   

The painting that is shown below has been mounted in the training centre.  This painting’s name is ISHKODE MAKWA (Fire Bear) depicting figures engaged in a traditional smoke dance, with medicines, that were once outlawed by the Government.  Bears are keepers of the peace, protectors of the people, and ensure that proper order is followed.  Like the Bear, the police are the protectors of our communities.  This would be a reminder of the decency we should show to all Nations.   The Sarnia Police Service would also like to offer a special thank you to Zhowske Miingan (Blue Wolf), the Eagle Staff, and Elders from Aamjiwnaag, including other community and police service members for attending the event.

ISHKODE MAKWA (Fire Bear)

Constable Shawn Osborne and the artist, John Williams, and his son, Theo Wolfe

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer and Executive Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On December 8, 2021, at approximately 1:30 PM, members of the Sarnia Police Service Community Patrol Branch responded to the area of Exmouth Street and East Street regarding a driving complaint. Information received was that a black pickup truck was all over the road and that the truck failed to stop for a number of traffic lights that were signaling red at the time.

According to further information received the truck was involved in a collision at Russell Street and Maria Street and left the scene. A witness was able to follow the pickup truck to an address in the 800 block of Wellington Street. Officers attended the address and located the driver still in the vehicle and observed that there was a great deal of damage to the front end of the pickup.

As the investigation continued it was determined that both the licence plates to the truck and the truck itself were stolen. Also, as the officers dealt with the driver and noted his behavior, grounds were formed to arrest the driver for impaired operation by drugs. Subsequently, the driver was transported to the station where he was evaluated by a Qualified Drug Recognition Expert.

As a result, Jason Carroll McGregor, 40 years of age, of Sarnia, was charged with two counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 and one count of operating a conveyance while impaired by drugs.

Approximately eight hours later, at 9:30 PM, another pickup truck was travelling southbound on Vidal Street approaching the bend to head onto Campbell Street. It appears that the driver lost control and struck a light standard after mounting the curb. The vehicle continued across a front lawn and came to rest against a tree.

The driver was still in the vehicle when officers arrived and required the attention of paramedics who then transported the male to hospital for further evaluation. Officers also located open cans of alcohol in the vehicle.

Once at the hospital officers continued their investigation and demanded that the accused submit a sample of breath, which the accused refused to do. Next a demand was made for the accused to submit to a sample of blood which he also refused to do.

As a result, the accused, Talon Justin Moddejonge, 35 years of age, of Sarnia, faces one count of refusing to comply with a demand.

Both individuals face a 90 Day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

The Sarnia Police Service continues in its ongoing efforts to locate missing 61-year-old John ADAMS, of Sarnia.

Mr. Adams was last seen on October 11, 2021, by his family and has not been heard from since.

Members of the Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigation Branch have continued with the missing person investigation but unfortunately, at this time, have not been able to locate him. Officers have reached out to numerous people and no one has heard from Mr. Adams nor has there been any activity related to any accounts pertaining to Mr. Adams.

Mr. Adams is described as being 5′ and 9″ tall, slender to medium build, balding with black hair. He is known to be wearing a ball cap. (Please see photo below).

When Mr. Adams left the address in the 800 block of Devine Street he was riding an orange and black Viking Trail Mountain Bike (size 29″) (please see photo below).

We are asking anyone who has seen Mr. John Adams since October 11, 2021, or may have any information regarding where John Adams may be, to please contact Detective Alex Cunningham at 519-344-8861, extension 6237.

Also, if anyone has located a bicycle matching the description mentioned above, and photo below, to contact detective Cunningham, as well.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

London Road will be closed in both directions between Old Exmouth Street and the entrance to Lambton College due to downed hydro lines.

This closure is expected to last throughout most of today and has caused the COVID clinic at the Lambton College Event Center to be relocated to the Point Edward Arena.

Updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Sgt. Gavin Armstrong,

Community Response Division, C Platoon

Tel: 519-344-8861

London Road is now open for regular traffic flow. The Sarnia Police would like thank motorists for their patience.

Sergeant Sean Peters #197
Sarnia Police Service
Tel: 519-344-8861

On Monday morning, shortly after midnight, The Sarnia Police Service evacuated the apartment building at 275 Finch Drive. The building has sustained structural damage and out of an abundance of caution, the residents have been evacuated.  Sarnia Police Services and Sarnia Fire Services remain on scene as the criminal investigation continues into the incident that caused the damage.

A message from Sarnia Emergency Management to the residents of 275 Finch:

If you are a tenant of 275 Finch Drive you are instructed to do the following.

If you are in need of a place to stay, the reception center at Lambton College has been set up and sleep accommodations will be made available for you there.
Sarnia Transit buses are on location at 275 Finch and will transport you to the College throughout the morning.

If you have your own transportation to the College, you can park in Lot 13.  Make your way to the front entrance of the college at 1457 London Rd.  The image below will show you the front entrance of the College where you are to go and be greeted.

For those with pets, The Sarnia Humane Society has been notified and can assist with any concerns.  Beginning at 8am you can call 519-344-7064.

If you are a tenant of 275 Finch and do not need a place to stay, we ask that you register with us and let us know you are ok.

Please email: ron.realesmith@sarnia.ca or call 519-332-0330 x3305 and provide the following information:

– Your Name
– Your Apartment Unit Number
– A phone number or email we can contact you
– Are you ok to stay where you are for up to 3 days?
– Who else lives in the apartment, are they ok?
– Any animals
– Other pertinent information we should know

It is important that we know the whereabouts of tenants from 275 Finch during this time.  We will be continually communicating with you as this event unfolds with important information.

We will send another press release out Monday morning from the Sarnia Police Service website.

Thanks

Ron Realesmith
Manager, Emergency Management
City of Sarnia

Over the course of the weekend the Sarnia Police Service responded to approximately 203 calls for service. Calls included the following:

6 – 911 Hang-ups

12 – Alarms

8 – Ambulance assists

6 – Assaults

8 – Disturb the peace

16 – Domestic disputes

4 – Family disputes

8 – Noise complaints

9 – Person welfare / well-being checks

11 – Thefts

7 – Trespass to property

29 – Unwanted people

Road officers conducted approximately 19 routine traffic stops for various driving-related concerns. Officers also issued 22 Provincial Offence Notices(tickets) over the weekend for various offences.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

At approximately 9:24 PM, last evening, (December 12, 2021), Sarnia Police Service dispatchers received a report of what was believed to be an explosion from a first floor apartment unit located at the 275 Finch Drive apartment complex.

As a result, Sarnia Fire, Lambton Paramedics, and officers from the Sarnia Police Service were dispatched to the scene.

Occupants of the building were evacuated as a result of the incident.

A 47-year-old male, from Sarnia, who was in the apartment unit where the incident occurred, was transported to a local hospital but shortly thereafter was transported to a London hospital due to the severity of his injuries. This has been no recent updates regarding his status.

Currently, the apartment complex remains evacuated pending an assessment by engineers, of the structural integrity of the apartment complex. Residents of the building have either found a place to stay on their own or are currently being assisted by the Sarnia Emergency Management Group who have set up accommodations at Lambton College.

The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office will be investigating the scene to determine the cause. Pending their results, the Sarnia Police Service will be looking into the matter further to determine if this incident is a criminal matter.

The Sarnia Emergency Management Group is asking anyone who has left the apartment complex and not been in contact with them to please reach out by phone at 519-332-0330, extension 3305, or email at ron.realesmith@sarnia.ca

Please leave the following information: your name, your unit number, a phone number you can be contacted at, where you are staying at, who else lives with you at your apartment, and any animals. This request is being made to ensure everyone is safe and to determine exactly how many people were displaced by this incident.

The following photo is courtesy of Sarnia News Today

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Following the December 13 early morning apartment evacuation, the Chief Building Official for the City, was on scene this morning to investigate the cause of structural damage inside the building. As of this press release, access to the building is not permitted at this time. 

All impacted residents are asked to register online on the City’s website under ‘Contact Us’ (https://www.sarnia.ca/apartment-evacuation-at-275-finch-drive/ ) or by phone to City Hall Customer Service at 519-332-0330 Ext 3305. Any residents with pets are asked to notify the Sarnia Humane Society at 519-344-7064 to assist with any concerns.

Displaced residents in need of emergency financial assistance are asked to call the County of Lambton’s Social Service Division at 519-344-2062 ext. 2171 or email socialservices@county.lambton.on.ca.

Displaced residents that are in need of hygiene products, essential items, and immediate clothing, are asked to contact City Hall Customer Service at 519-332-0330 Ext 3305 with your request.

Residents of the building have been asked to make alternative accommodations for up to two days. The Reception Centre at Lambton College is open to serve residents. Residents who need accommodations are being asked to call City Hall Customer Service at 519-332-0330 Ext 3305.  You will then be directed to go to Lambton College to register, and park in Lot 13. 

City staff, Sarnia Police Services and Sarnia Fire worked relentlessly to respond to the evacuation and accommodation of residents. This was a very manual exercise in a multi-story building with roughly 81 residential units.

We thank everyone involved in the response. The following organizations have assisted in the efforts: Victim Services, Lambton College, Garda Security, Sarnia & District Humane Society, Lambton County Social Services and Inn of the Good Shepherd.

Skyline, owner of the apartment complex, have been of tremendous support in ensuring that their residents have all necessities. City Staff are engaging with them on an hourly basis.    

Following the criminal investigation, restoration efforts will be underway to make the building ready for occupancy. 

All Media Releases, which will provide further details, will be shared on social media and can be found online: https://www.sarniapolice.com/category/daily-media-releases/.

For further information, please contact:

Ron Realesmith, Manager, Emergency Management Office. 

ron.realesmith@sarnia.ca  or 519-332-0330 ext. 3305

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

A Message from Sarnia Emergency Management: Update Regarding Explosion at Finch Apartment

The City of Sarnia is happy to announce the apartment at 275 Finch is now open for residents to return. 

If you are an affected tenant and have any questions or comments regarding this announcement, please contact Sarnia Emergency Management at 519-332-0330 x3305.

Thanks,

Ron Realesmith, Manager, Emergency Management Office.

ron.realesmith@sarnia.ca  or 519-332-0330 ext. 3305

Staff Sergeant Michael Van Sickle #181
D Platoon – Community Response Division

In the early afternoon hours of Sunday, December 12, 2021, the Sarnia Police Service received information that a deceased person had been located in a forested area along the south west corner of Highway 402 and Highway 40.

Officers attended the area at approximately 1:40 PM to begin the search and at approximately 2:00 PM a deceased person was located. Members of the Criminal Investigations Branch attended to continue the investigation.

On Monday, December 13, 2021, a post mortem was conducted in London, Ontario.

As a result of all the information gathered it was confirmed that the deceased person was indeed 61-year-old John Adams. Also, as a result of the post mortem, foul play has been ruled out.

Out of respect for the family no further information will be shared regarding this matter.

We would like to thank the public for their concern and assistance. We would also like to thank the various media sources in assisting with the delivery of critical information to the community at large.

Finally, the Sarnia Police Service would like to offer the family its deepest condolences.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On December 14, 2021, members of Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office along with members of the Criminal Investigation Division attended the ground unit where an explosion took place at 275 Finch Avenue to execute a search warrant.

Once having completed the scene examination, the apartment unit was returned to the property management group, last evening, to deal with the damage that was sustained.

Also, at this time, an assessment is still required regarding the integrity of the ceiling of the unit where the explosion occurred to ensure that the residents above that unit are able to safely return. All other residents have been allowed to return.

At this time there is no further update regarding the status of the male who was injured in the explosion.

The Sarnia Police Service and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office now will begin the process of analyzing the evidence gathered to make a determination of the actual cause of the explosion. It is unknown when the results may be made available.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On December 9, 2021, at approximately 3:00 am, a 21-year-old victim was in her bedroom on the phone, at her residence located in the 100 block of Queen Street.

The victim got up to shut the door to her bedroom since she thought she had heard her roommate in the apartment. As she was closing the door to her room a suspect female began to push at the door to gain entry. The suspect allegedly was able to push the door hard enough as to knock the victim back and to the ground. Also, there were two other female suspects present and it appears that all parties were known to each other.

All three suspects, allegedly, entered the room and were asking and looking for someone that was not present at the time. The victim told the suspects to leave the residence or she was going to call to police. The three attackers struck the victim a number of times and refused to leave. Fortunately, the victim was on the phone at the time this all happened and began asking for help from the person on the other end of the line. Once the suspects realized that the victim was on the phone they then forcefully removed the phone from her hands and struck her again.

Shortly thereafter, the person who was on the other end of the phone with the victim had made their way to the unit at which point the three suspects immediately scattered from the unit. During the assault one of the suspects lost a blonde wig she was wearing exposing her hair as being black and curly.

As a result of the assault the victim required medical attention.

At this time Natasha Marie Elie, 36 years of age, of Sarnia, has been arrested and charged with one count of break and enter, one count of assault, and one count of mischief under $5000.

Currently, two others are wanted for the following charges:

1. Alissa Jordan Havers, 26 years of age, of Sarnia, wanted for one count of break and enter, one count of assault, one count of mischief under $5000, and one count of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. Both photos below are of Havers.
   

1. Nancie Kaitlyn Rogers, 20 years of age, of Sarnia, is wanted for one count of break and enter, one count of assault, and one count of mischief under $5000. Photo below is of Rogers.
   

If any has any information regarding the location of Nancie Kaitlyn Rogers or Alissa Jordan Havers they are please asked to contact the Sarnia Police Service at 519-344-8861, extension 0, or Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-1800-222-8477.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

The Sarnia Police Service responded to approximately 233 calls for service over the weekend. Some of these calls included:

13 – 911 Hang ups

7 – Alarm calls

3- Disturb the peace

5 – Domestic disputes/Family disputes

1 – Liquor related offence

3 – Mischief

5 – Motor vehicle collisions

3 – Noise complaints

20 – Person welfare checks

5 – Thefts

6 – Traffic complaints

19 – Unwanted persons

In addition, officers conducted 38 routine traffic stops and issued 12 tickets over the weekend.

Constable Jennifer Nantais

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6125

Email: jnantais@police.sarnia.on.ca

Over the weekend Sarnia Police responded to a Break and Enter in progress on Murphy Rd. and prevented a possible Break and Enter on London Line.

On Friday 17 December 2021 members of the Sarnia Police Uniform Division were called to a Murphy Rd. address where a homeowner returning to his residence confronted a woman who he located inside his home. The woman fled but was quickly located by officers a short distance away. As a result, 26- year- old Alicia Bianca Dubois of Sarnia was arrested. Dubois was found to be out on several forms of release with numerous charges before the court. In regards to this incident she has been charged with Mischief under $5000, Break and Enter a Dwelling, Possession of Break in Instruments and Failure to Comply with Undertaking. Dubois appeared before the court and was subsequently released from custody with a new court date of 25 January 2022.

In the early morning hours of Saturday 18 December 2021 while patrolling London Line, a member of the Sarnia Police Uniform Division located a wanted 31-year-old male who was trying to evade them by hiding behind one of the businesses. The male was wanted on a Bench Warrant for failing to appear in court on the 21 outstanding charges that he currently faces. As result, Sean Robert Helps of Sarnia was arrested and charged with Failure to Comply with Release Order, Failure to Comply with Probation Order, Possession of Break in Instruments and Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance. Helps appeared before the court and was subsequently released from custody with a new court date of 12 January 2022.

Constable Jennifer Nantais

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6125

Email: jnantais@police.sarnia.on.ca

On December 20, 2021 the Sarnia Police responded to a Break and Enter at a business known as District Beta located at 1886 London Line in the city of Sarnia. Video surveillance shows two males smashing the glass in the front door and entering the business. Upon entry several display cabinets were smashed and a large quantity of merchandise was taken. The items include Pokémon cards, Yugioh cards, Magic the Gathering cards, box sets of cards and gaming systems. The total value of items stolen is approximately $13,000 and damage is estimated at approximately $17,000.

If anyone has any information about this Break and Enter they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 519-332-TIPS or the investigation officer, Constable Ostenfeldt #254 at 519-344-8861.

Constable Jennifer Nantais

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6125

Email: jnantais@police.sarnia.on.ca

The Sarnia Police would like to advise drivers that a wide load, escorted by police, will be travelling through the city at approximately 9am this morning. It will be travelling from the government docks along Exmouth St. to Murphy Rd and east on Confederation. Motorists are advised to avoid these areas as major delays are expected.

Constable Jennifer Nantais

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6125

Email: jnantais@police.sarnia.on.ca 

As a result of investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Sarnia Police a 47-year-old Sarnia man and 38-year-old Sarnia woman have been charged in regards to an explosion that occurred at 275 Finch Dr. on December 12^th, 2021.

Matthew Courtenay Dekker of Sarnia and Kimberley Kristen Denomme also of Sarnia have been charged with Arson Endangering Life, Arson Causing Property Damage, Alter Cannabis using Organic Solvent and Possession for the Use and Production or distribution of Illicit Cannabis. Kimberley Kristen Denomme was further charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm.

Denomme has been arrested and released from custody to a future court date.

Dekker remains in hospital due to injuries sustained from the explosion and a warrant for his arrest has been issued.

Constable Jennifer Nantais

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6125

Email: jnantais@police.sarnia.on.ca