A 23 year old Sarnia man was arrested this morning just around 9:30 AM at an address on Confederation Street in Sarnia and charged with Mischief Over $5,000, Break and Enter, and Breach of Probation from a break and enter that occurred sometime between 7 PM on November 16 and 9:30 AM on November 17 of 2011. The break and enter occurred in the 100 block of North Christina Street. The accused smashed a window at the business then forced open a rear door and entered inside. Many items were removed from inside including some jewelry. The value of these goods was estimated to be approximately $3,000.

The accused left behind blood drops from a cut he sustained at the scene. These blood drops were collected by the Sarnia Police Forensic Identification Branch. The blood drops were found on the door and inside a display case where the items had been removed from. The blood drop samples were sent off to the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto for analysis.

A match to the DNA was made and Lewis Giuseppe Rising was arrested and faces the charges before the court. He remains in custody and will appear again via video on January 24, 2014.

Constable Heather Emmons

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: hemmons@police.sarnia.on.ca

Sarnia Police travelled to Hamilton, Ontario yesterday afternoon to arrest 31 year old Brian Joseph Helwig. He was named on the most recent Sarnia Police Fugitive Five list on January 10, 2014. He was wanted on outstanding warrants for Fail to Comply with Probation and Fail to Comply with Recognizance. He remains in custody and will go to court this morning for a bail hearing.

Constable Heather Emmons

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: hemmons@police.sarnia.on.ca

A Sarnia Police officer on patrol last evening around 10 PM on London Road observed a motor vehicle leaving a parking lot in the 1100 block. The car fishtailed from the lot in the falling snow. The car travelled westbound on London Road to south bound Finch Drive at about 60 KPH, passing other vehicles. The roadway was snow covered. The vehicle turned into a lot in the 1000 block of Finch Drive.

The officer approached the driver of the vehicle and asked about her driving habits. She admitted to drinking. A roadside screening device was brought to the scene. The 33 year old Sarnia woman registered a Fail. She was arrested and taken to police headquarters where she provided two samples of her breath and found to be over the legal limit. She was later released on a Promise to Appear, charged with Drive Motor Vehicle with Over 80 MG. She will make her first court appearance in February.

Constable Heather Emmons

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: hemmons@police.sarnia.on.ca

Sarnia Police responded to 111 calls for service over this past weekend. On top of that, the police also made over 34 vehicle stops regarding various traffic infractions. The 111 calls include:

4 Domestic/Family disputes

7 Motor Vehicle Collisions

7 Theft reports

9 Traffic complaints

6 Trespassing/Unwanted person complaints

Constable Heather Emmons

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: hemmons@police.sarnia.on.ca

A 30 year old Sarnia man was arrested Friday night near Ontario and Palmerston Streets around 10:45 PM. An officer on patrol initially spotted a vehicle southbound on Russell Street. The driver was approaching the intersection of Ontario Street and did not signal a left turn. The officer followed the vehicle eastbound on Ontario Street. The vehicle had a left turn signal on as it approached Devine Street, however, the vehicle continued on a straight path without turning.

The officer stopped the car, approached the driver and immediately detected an odour of an alcoholic beverage. A roadside screening device was produced and the man registered a “Fail”. He was arrested and brought to police headquarters. Two samples of his breath produced readings of over 80 mg of alcohol. He was later released on a Promise to Appear, charged with Drive with Over 80 MG. He will make his first court appearance on February 25, 2014.

Constable Heather Emmons

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: hemmons@police.sarnia.on.ca

A 35 year old Sarnia man and a 33 year old London man were arrested for shoplifting on January 19 around 5:30 PM at a Quinn Driver business. Store surveillance at the time showed the pair in the electronics section of the business. A device was selected off a shelf. The 33 year old man took a box cutter from his coat pocket and cut open the device packaging. The item was then concealed in the man’s pocket.

The two men walked to the front of the store but police had already been contacted. As they exited the door, the store alarm sounded. A Sarnia police officer had arrived and met the two men, along with store security at the front doors. They were arrested.

The men were searched before being placed in the cruiser. The 35 year old man was found with a mini razor and an empty syringed. The other man was also searched and two more electronic devices were found along with a flashlight, the box cutting tool and the original item he removed while being watch on store video surveillance. There was also a small bag found and the bag contained a clear package wrapped with tape. Inside this bag was about 2 grams of methamphetamine.

The 35 year old man faces two charges of Breach of Probation, one charge of Possession of Stolen Property Under $5,000 and Theft Under $5,000. He was later released on a Promise to Appear. The London man was held for bail, charged with Theft Under $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Constable Heather Emmons

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: hemmons@police.sarnia.on.ca

Sarnia Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two males depicted on surveillance video. The two men entered a business together on London Road on December 24, 2013 around 3 PM and exited the same store within 15 minutes. The first male left the store walking ahead of the second male. The second male walked out of the business just behind the first male. This second male left the store with a 24″ Schwinn bicycle valued at about $500. The bike was never paid for. The video shows the men entering the store and leaving via a different door. http://youtu.be/-O1-eSFBqXo

If you can identify either of these two men, please contact the Sarnia Police Service at 519-344-8861, extension 6199 or you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Constable Heather Emmons

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: hemmons@police.sarnia.on.ca

Five Sarnia adults were arrested Wednesday night around 10 PM when the Sarnia Police Vice Branch executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Queen Street. The Vice Branch was assisted by members of the Criminal Investigations Branch. The five parties were transported and held for bail hearings. Three males, aged 22, 27 and 25 and two females, aged 18 and 26 remain in custody. They are all from Sarnia.

The total street value of the drugs seized is about $3,500. Just over 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine was seized along with 58 ecstasy tablets, 86 liquid units of hydromorphone, 38 hydromorphone tablets and 8 Fentanyl patches were located. The adults face an array of charges; Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x 4; and Possession of Hydromorphone. The two females each face two charges of Breach of Probation.

Constable Heather Emmons

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: hemmons@police.sarnia.on.ca

On January 22, 2014, just before 5 AM, a 27 year old Sarnia man was stopped by an officer near Davis and College Streets. The man was wandering down the middle of the road. Concerned for his safety, the officer asked the man for identification. He began to do so; however, numerous names were given, all different. He smelled of alcohol and was arrested. A search of him revealed a needle in his pocket. Another officer came by to assist and recognized the man. It was soon learned he was on probation with a condition not to consume alcohol or possess drug paraphernalia.

He faces charges of Breach of Probation x 2 and Public Mischief. He was held for bail.

Later that night, around 10:30 PM, another officer on patrol on London Line saw a vehicle with no tail lights. The pick-up truck was stopped. The officer approached the driver who was identified as a 35 year old Sarnia man. The officer detected a strong odor of cannabis marihuana coming from inside the vehicle. Eventually, the driver surrendered a sandwich baggie containing about 5 grams of the green stuff.

He was arrested and later released on an Appearance Notice. His first court date will be March 5, 2014 where he will deal with a charge of Possession of Marihuana.

This morning, just after 3 AM, an officer was sent to a fast food restaurant on London Road. A caller to the Sarnia Police advised there was a possible impaired driver in the area. Information received the driver had left one parking lot, driving over a snow bank and into a second lot nearby. The vehicle was spotted by the officer. The driver of the vehicle proceeded from the lot and went through a red light on eastbound London Road. It was travelling at a higher rate of speed.

The vehicle was eventually stopped and the driver was identified as a 32 year old man who said he lived in London but did not know his address. A roadside screening device was produced and the man registered a Fail. He was arrested. He was taken to police headquarters where he provided two more samples of his breath. He will be released later this morning on a charge of Drive with Over 80 MG.

Constable Heather Emmons

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: hemmons@police.sarnia.on.ca

Around 3:30 AM, Sarnia Police were sent to the area of Willa Drive and Sylvia Avenue in Sarnia because a car stuck a residential home. The crash also resulted in the rupture of the gas line into the home. Some residents were evacuated but have since been able to return to their homes.

The 28 year old male driver from Petrolia was taken to hospital but did not sustain any injuries. His 26 year old female passenger was also taken to hospital with minor injuries. The car was towed. Charges of Impaired Operation are pending and the investigation is ongoing as a blood demand was made from the driver. Union Gas remains at the scene.

Constable Heather Emmons

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: hemmons@police.sarnia.on.ca

Sarnia Police arrested two impaired drivers within two hours of each other on Saturday night.

The first incident took place around 6:15 PM when the accused was observed by a 39 year old Sarnia man crashing into a parked car in a parking lot on Lakeshore Road in Bright’s Grove. The driver did not stop and travelled westbound on the eastbound portion of Old Lakeshore Road. The 39 year old witness followed the accused and eventually got the 29 year old male driver to stop his vehicle and police were called.

The 29 year old accused ,who is from Sarnia, was charged with Impaired Driving and Drive With Over 80 MG as well as Driving With No Insurance and Operate an Unsafe Vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act.

The second incident occurred just before 8:00 PM on Wellington Street while officers were responding to a break and enter in progress. The police vehicle had its emergency lights on however the 35 year old accused driver, who was travelling in front of the cruiser, failed to stop or pull over. The officer sounded the police siren and the accused pulled into a driveway in the 800 block of Wellington Street. Officers were advised by another officer that they were no longer needed at the break and enter.

The accused driver ran from his vehicle as officers approached and a short foot chase took place. The Sarnia man was caught a short distance away and admitted he was impaired. Samples of his breath showed he was four times the legal limit.

The accused was charged with Impaired Driving and Drive With Over 80 MG.

Constable Les Jones

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6091

Email: ljones@police.sarnia.on.ca

Sarnia Police are advising local merchants to be aware of counterfeit bills surfacing in the city. Since November 2013 about 15 reports of counterfeit bills have been received. The most common bills are the older paper Canadian $100.00, however police have also investigated incidents with Canadian $5.00 and US $20.00 bills.

Merchants are reminded to take extra time to examine bills when handling cash .The Bank of Canada website provides safety tips on how to detect counterfeit currency and also provides free training material. For more information, go to http://www.bankofcanada.ca/

Constable Les Jones

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: ljones@police.sarnia.on.ca

Sarnia Police responded to 122 calls for service over the first weekend of February 2014. Officers also conducted 16 traffic stops for various highway traffic infractions. The 122 calls include:

5 – 911 hang up calls

8 – Alarms

9 – Domestic/Family Disputes

1 – Impaired

12 – Motor Vehicle Collisions

8 – Noise Complaints

2 – Disturb the Peace

Constable Les Jones

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: ljones@police.sarnia.on.ca

On Friday 31 January 2014 at about 8:30 PM Sarnia Police, Sarnia Fire Rescue along with Lambton EMS responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of George Street and Mitton Street. A pickup truck driven by a 44 year old Sarnia man was travelling south on Mitton Street and allegedly failed to stop for a red light and collided with a car going west on George Street.

The male driver of the pickup truck was arrested at the scene for Drive With Over 80 MG and taken to the Police Station to obtain a breath sample. Samples of his breath showed he was driving with over twice the legal limit. He was charge with Drive With Over 80MG and released.

The 45 year old female driver of the car and he 54 year old male passenger were taken to Bluewater Health with minor injuries.

Constable Les Jones

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: ljones@police.sarnia.on.ca

Just before 11:00 am on Friday January 31, 2014 members of the Sarnia Police Vice Unit, COPPS, ERT and the Criminal Investigations Division along with officers of the Ontario Provincial Police executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant in the 4000 block of London Line.

The officers discovered seven people inside the home upon entering and two of those seven face charges. Police seized approximately 7 grams of marihuana and 2 ounces of methamphetamine with a combined street value of about $8700.00.A quantity of cash, packaging material and a rifle were also seized during the search.

Two males not at home, but associated to the residence, were also arrested and charged.

The two people arrested at the house are; Tina ZYGADLO ,charged with two counts of Possession For The Purpose of Trafficking.

Joseph DUNN charged with two counts of Possession For The Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Weapons Contrary to a Prohibition Order.

The other two men charged are, Gary MADDIGAN 45 years old facing one count of Possession For The Purpose Of Trafficking and Possession Of Weapons Contrary to A Prohibition order.

The Last person, Harvey YOUNG, 45 years old is charged with Possession For The Purpose Of Trafficking and Possession of Weapons Contrary to a Prohibition order.

Constable Les Jones

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: ljones@police.sarnia.on.ca

Sarnia Police C.O.P.P.S officers made two drug arrests yesterday during routine duties.

The first arrest took place at about 2:00 pm on Queen Street. A fully uniformed officer from the C.O.P.P.S Unit was in the third floor hallway of an apartment building looking for a male as part of an investigation. While standing in the hallway a female in her pajamas walked by carrying a cigarette rolling device and a plastic bag containing what was believed to be marihuana. She also smelled strongly of marihuana. The 34 year old female was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and released at the scene with a court date. The bag was weighed and found to contain about 50 grams of suspected marihuana. The street value of the seizure is approximately $500.

The second arrest took place about 30 minutes later by another member of the C.O.P.P.S unit during a traffic stop. A pickup truck was observed failing to for a stop sign at Vidal Street and Cromwell Street and the driver was stopped. Upon speaking to the 44 year old Sarnia man it was discovered that his driver’s license was suspended. The male was placed under arrest and during a search the officer discovered almost 4 grams of methamphetamine and just over $1000 cash. This seizure has a street value of just under $500. Because of the method of packaging and the cash found the man was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a Controlled Substance. He also received a ticket for Disobey a Stop Sign and a summons for Driving While Under Suspension. The man was held for a Bail Hearing for the drug offence.

Constable Les Jones

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: ljones@police.sarnia.on.ca

On Wednesday February 5, 2014, the Sarnia Police Services Criminal Investigations Division along with The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have begun a joint investigation regarding “Joe” the Cat found by a good Samaritan on Sunday the 2nd of February 2014 in Brights Grove Ontario. The cat was found on the roadside by the passer-by with 17 pellets in its head and was brought to the Sarnia-Lambton Humane Society. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Sarnia-Lambton Humane Society, Sarnia-Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or Detective Constable Soucek of the Sarnia Police at 519-344-8861 Ext. 6191.

A cash reward over and above what one would receive through Crime Stoppers has been offered by members of the public if your information leads to the arrest of a suspect or suspects.

Constable Les Jones

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: ljones@police.sarnia.on.ca

A Sarnia Police Service officer in a fully marked police car was almost struck by an impaired driver early this morning.

At about 1:00 AM, 6 February 2014 the officer was near the intersection of Wellington Street at Ontario Street when the collision was avoided. As the vehicles continued to travel on Wellington Street the driver almost rear ended the police car. The officer pulled to the side of the road and allowed the driver to pass. The 23 year male driver was arrested for Impaired Operation after the officer had conversation with him. The driver could not perform the task of finding the door handle and the officer had to unlock the door and open it to allow the driver to exit.

The Sarnia man was brought to the station and provided samples of his breath which showed he was four times the legal limit.

The man faces charges of Impaired Operation and Drive With Over 80 MG.

Constable Les Jones

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: ljones@police.sarnia.on.ca

At approximately 03:38pm Imperial Oil located in the 600 block of Christina St South issued a Code 8 in regards to a Hydro Carbon(Gas) leak. The leak was contained immediately and did not go off site. However as a result of the leak there was an odor detected by persons living or passing thru the South end of the city. Imperial Oil personnel ensured that the odor was in no way toxic or harmful in anyway. Imperial Oil and emergency services are on scene and continuing to monitor the incident.

Staff Sergeant Paul Mamak #123

Sarnia Police Service

B Platoon – Community Response Division

Tel: 519-344-8861 x 6123
Email: pmamak@police.sarnia.on.ca

Around 3:30 AM, Sarnia Police were sent to the area of Willa Drive and Sylvia Avenue in Sarnia because a car stuck a residential home. The crash also resulted in the rupture of the gas line into the home. Some residents were evacuated but have since been able to return to their homes.

The 28 year old male driver from Petrolia was taken to hospital but did not sustain any injuries. His 26 year old female passenger was also taken to hospital with minor injuries. The car was towed. Charges of Impaired Operation are pending and the investigation is ongoing as a blood demand was made from the driver. Union Gas remains at the scene.

Constable Heather Emmons

Media Relations Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 5345

Email: hemmons@police.sarnia.on.ca