In 2010 the Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigation Branch launched an investigation into Douglas Harold Patrick who had been a long time resident in the south end of Sarnia.

Following an extensive police investigation, Douglas Harold Patrick was charged with a number of historical sexual offences committed against prepubescent and young teenage boys between 1970 to the early 1990’s. He was ultimately convicted of these offences and began serving a penitentiary term of 14 and a-half years in 2011 as a result.

Subsequent to the initial investigation, other victims have come forward to the police to report being sexually assaulted as children by Douglas Harold Patrick.

As a result of the most recent complaint by another victim, Douglas Harold Patrick has been charged with an additional 15 sexual assault offences in relation to this victim.

Patrick was arrested on June 14, 2017 for these latest charges and remains in custody pending court proceedings.

If anyone has any information relating to this, or any other incident related to Douglas Harold Patrick’s activities, they are asked to contact Detective Constable Heather Patterson at 519-344-8861 (extension 6105) or contact Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On April 17, 2017, the Sarnia Police requested assistance from the public in locating a missing male by the name of Mr. Edward Alway (69 years of age).

On June 14, 2017, the OPP reported locating a deceased person in the St. Clair River near Stag Island. On today’s date the Sarnia Police Service can confirm that the deceased that was located was indeed Mr. Alway.

Pending any further results from the post-mortem exam there is nothing suspicious regarding his death.

We would like to thank the public for their assistance and offer our sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Alway.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

A resident returned home to find that at some time in-between June 16 to June 19, 2017, their garage had been broken into. The home is located in the 500 block of Cardiff Drive in the City of Sarnia.

Unfortunately, the home owner had a number of tools stolen such as a sander, a drill, welding cables, a lawn mower, and a weed-wacker.

If anyone has any information pertaining to this theft or other thefts, they are please asked to contact Detective Constable Jeff Rovers at 519-344-8861 (extension 6159) or Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Over the weekend, of seven reported thefts, four were from unlocked vehicles and one was of a bicycle that was locked up.

The Sarnia Police Service would like to remind individuals that they can take a few simple steps to help protect their property.

First, please lock your vehicle when unattended. The vast majority of thefts to motor vehicles occur to unlocked car doors. Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle that will tempt thieves to want to enter it.

Also, regarding bicycles, please do not leave your bicycle unattended for even several minutes without locking it up. We have had incidents where individuals have left their bicycle for several minutes to return and find it gone. Please consider purchasing a lock that cannot be easily snipped with bolt cutters, which appears to be the tool of choice by these thieves.

It truly is sad that we cannot just leave our property unattended and expect no one to touch it but this is the reality we live in. With your help we can minimize these incidents by making it much more difficult for thieves.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On June 19, 2017, a member of the Sarnia Police Service Traffic Unit responded to a single vehicle collision located in the parking lot of Shoppers Drugmart on Michigan Avenue, in the City of Sarnia.

The collision involved a vehicle having driven through the front windows of the building. Fortunately, other than damage to the building and to the motor vehicle, no one was injured.

The driver of the vehicle, and 81 year old female, was not charged due to the fact that the collision occurred on private property. Her license, though, will be reviewed by the Ministry of Transportation.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On Saturday, June 17th, 2017 shortly after 5:00am the Sarnia Fire Department, Sarnia Police Service, and Lambton County EMS responded to a structure fire at 210 Davis St., Sarnia.

The fire had started in one of the three units at that address and required several occupants to be evacuated from the structure and from neighbouring homes as the fire was battled by the Sarnia Fire Department. No one was hurt as a result of the fire. The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office was contacted to attend and investigate the fire.

As a result of the investigation, it is believed that this fire is suspicious in nature.

The Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigation Branch is now investigating the incident.

If anyone has any information in regards to the cause of the fire or the person(s) responsible, they are please requested to contact Detective Sergeant Leo MURPHY of the Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigations Branch at 519-344-8861 (extension 6142) or Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On April 6, 2017, Vice Officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the 800 block of Exmouth Street in the City of Sarnia.

During the search officers located $11,000 in cash along with quantities of crystal methamphetamines, cocaine and what was believed to be heroin at the time.

Five individuals were arrested and charged with various Controlled Drug and Substances Act related offences.

On June 20, 2017 Health Canada forwarded a report to the Sarnia Police Service confirming that what was believed to be heroin was actually Fentanyl powder.

Fentanyl powder is an extremely potent synthetic opioid used legally in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical prescription drugs for the treatment of acute and chronic pain.

It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 40 times more potent than heroin.

In the past year, there has been a dramatic increase in the illegal importation of Fentanyl powder from countries like China to the western provinces of Canada and more recently to Ontario.

Fentanyl powder is white in colour when produced; however, other colour variations are possible.

The pure powder is trafficked onto the streets in various forms:

• pure fentanyl powder

• mixed with illicit street drugs (heroin, cocaine)

• sold under the name of other illicit street drugs

• mixed into counterfeit pharmaceutical pills (OxyContin, Percocet, MDMA)

The various forms of this drug present a cause for concern as users may be unaware that they are consuming Fentanyl. Secondly, the dosages of the powder/pills are not always equal.

These factors increase the risk of overdose and death.

Information from Health Canada Drug Analysis Section has indicated a dramatic increase in the street availability of Fentanyl powder/pills across Canada.

With seizures such as this, officers have to take extra precautions as these drugs are even deadlier due to the addition of the Fentanyl powder.

This requires our officers to wear protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and protective suits when handling these drugs to avoid contamination.

The Sarnia Police Service does not endorse the use of any drugs illegally, but please if you choose to use drugs know what you are buying, and from who you are buying it.

Overdoses and deaths from the use of these drugs has become an alarming trend.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On June 20, 2017, at approximately 1:10 pm, the Sarnia Police Service along with Sarnia Fire and Lambton EMS, responded to a call involving what was believed to be a workplace injury at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club located on Errol Road West in the City of Sarnia. Information received was that an employee of the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club was working on a fallen tree and when the other employees returned they found him unconscious on the ground.

The 58 year male, who was found unconscious, was transported to hospital where he was later pronounced deceased by doctors.

Due to the nature of this incident the investigation has been turned over to the Ministry of Labour and any further concerns will be addressed by the Ministry.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

The Sarnia Police Service Vice Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of the Indian Road and the westbound off-ramp from Highway 402. The vehicle was stopped at approximately 11:20 pm.

Officers arrested 2 females located within the vehicle for possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Officers seized:

1. 75 pills of Oxyneo (40mg each)
2. 17 pills of Oxycodone (5 mg each)

The total street value of the drugs seized was approximately $4,755.00.

Currently Jody Charlene Hodgert (37 years of age) and Maureen Ellen Scouler (50 years of age), both from Sarnia, are in custody awaiting a bailing hearing. Both face the charge the criminal charge of possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On June 22, 2017, at approximately 6:00 pm, a member of the Sarnia Police Service was on patrol in the area of Conrad Street in City of Sarnia. Officers had been made aware of a home that was under renovation and the concern of individuals breaking into the home to steal from it.

As the officer drove by he observed unusual activity with a male carrying tools, from the garage, to a cart attached to the back of a bicycle parked in the driveway. After stopping and looking into the matter further the officer formed grounds to arrest the man with break and enter. As the officer continued his investigation he was able to also determine the suspect was in possession of a stolen bicycle from Edmonton, Alberta.

Currently Dwayne Melford George, 33 years of age, is in custody awaiting a bail hearing for the charges of break and enter and possession of stolen property.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Sarnia Police are trying to locate Hailey Whiting, April 22, 2004. Anyone with information please call the Sarnia Police Service 519-344-8861 ex 5200.

Over the course of the weekend the Sarnia Police Service responded to 249 calls for service. Calls included:

12 – Alarms

8 – Break and Enters

16 – Disturb the Peace

11 – Domestic Disputes

6 – Liqour License Act

12 – Motor Vehicle Collisions

8 – Neighbour Disputes

10 – Noise Complaints

8 – Thefts

7 – Trespass to Property

7 – Unwanted Persons

Road officers conducted approximately 26 routine traffic stops for various driving related concerns.

Officers issued 21 Provincial Offence Notices (tickets) over the weekend for various infractions.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Recently members of the Sarnia Police Service Vice Unit began an investigation regarding a male trafficking crystal methamphetamine in the City of Sarnia.

On June 23, 2017, officers from the Vice Unit requested a Controlled drugs and Substance Act Search Warrant for a motel room, on London Line, in the City of Sarnia.

On June 24, 2017, at approximately 12:20 am, officers from the Vice Unit along with members of the COPPS Unit and General Patrol executed the warrant.

Upon entering the room officers located four individuals inside the room along with a quantity of drugs.

Officers seized the following drugs:

15 – Hydromorphone pills (30 mg each)

21 – Oxycodone pills (5 mg each)

1 – Morphine tablet (15 mg)

2 grams of crystal methamphetamine

13 grams of cannabis marihuana

The total street value of drugs seized was approximately $895.00

A 21 year old male and a 49 year old male, from Sarnia, were charged with possession of a controlled substance. Both males were released on a Promise to Appear.

A 32 year old female, from Dresden, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and breach of probation. She was held for a bail hearing.

David Eric Biggs, 54 years of age, of Sarnia, was charged with 4 counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of cannabis marihuana, under 30 grams.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Yesterday the Sarnia Police Service requested assistance from the public in locating a missing female from Sarnia.

This morning the Sarnia Police Service Youth Branch is happy to report that Hailey Whiting was located safe and sound.

Again, on behalf of the Service, thank you for your help.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On behalf of the Sarnia Police Service and the Sarnia Police Association we would like to thank all those who came out to have their documents shredded to avoid identity theft.

On June 24, 2017, over the course of 4 hours, 460 people attended the 12^th Annual Shred Event located in the parking lot of Walmart on Quinn Drive in the City of Sarnia.

During this time approximately 8818 pounds of documents were shredded.

We would also like to thank all those who donated to the Special Olympics Torch Run for their contribution towards our athletes. In total, $1625.85 was donated towards the cause. In the picture below Chief Phil Nelson and Detective Constable Ken McLachlin (who organizes the Shred Event yearly) hand over a cheque to Morgan Tyler who is a local representative of the Torch Run from the Ministry of Corrections.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On June 26, 2017, at approximately 11:00 pm the Sarnia Police Service General Patrol Officers responded to what appeared to be a break and enter to a local business located in the 1300 block of Plank Road in the City of Sarnia. The alleged suspect had been apprehended by the owner of the business during the supposed break and enter. As the investigation continued it became evident to the officers involved at the time that there was more to the story.

The Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigation Branch began to investigate the matter further and determined that the supposesed 24 years old suspect was actually the victim in this matter. It is also alleged that the owner of the business fabricated a plot to lure the victim to the area where the victim was later assaulted and held for police as a suspect to a fictitious break and enter.

Yesterday, at approximately 7:10 am, Paul Babcock, 51 years of age, was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, and public mischief. Babcock was held for a bail hearing yesterday but was subsequently released.

The 24 year victim had been admitted to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries that required medical attention and has been since released.

If anyone has any information related to this matter they are please asked to contact Detective Constable Sam Sulaiman of the Criminal Investigation Branch at 519-344-8861 (extension 6132).

You may also contact Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On May 23, 2017, Rita Smith, from Sarnia, turned in an envelope containing over $1000.00 in cash and pieces of information that could be used to identify an owner. Rather than hold onto to the money and destroy all forms of evidence she did the right thing and turned the money in to see if the owner could be located. From there the investigating officer was able to determine the true owner of the money.

Members of the Sarnia Police Service were so overcome with the honesty and kindness shown by Mrs. Smith that individual officers gave towards a donation for the Inn of the Good Shepherd on behalf of Rita Smith.

On June 28, 2017, Myles Vanni (from the Inn of the Good Shepherd) along with Chief Phil Nelson, Constable Bert Sparling (the investigating officer), and Rita Smith, and met at the Inn of the Good Shepherd to hand over the money. Much to the surprise of the officers, Rita was kind enough to match the donation made on her behalf with that of her own for $100.00 as well.

Therefore the total amount handed over to the Inn was $200.00. Rita asked one favour from the citizens of Sarnia and that is too take time to donate to the Inn of the Good Shepherd and help a good cause with whatever amount they can. In short keep paying it forward!

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

At approximately 8:30 am, on June 28, 2017, officers from the Sarnia Police Service Traffic Unit responded to a collision involving a pedestrian and a motor vehicle at the intersection of Rosedale Avenue and Murphy Road.

An 81 year old male, who happened to be a crossing guard heading to his point of duty, was struck by a car driven by a 31 year old man turning to head northbound on Murphy Road from Rosedale Avenue.

The 81 year old man that was struck by the car was transported to hospital for observation and was later released.

The driver of the vehicle was charged with failing to yield right of way to pedestrian.

Just a quick reminder to motorists to please pay attention to not only motor vehicles on the road but also to pedestrians who have access to the road way.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

The Sarnia Police Service would like to remind the public of scheduled road closures on Canada Day with respect to the parade and park activities.

Christina St/Lakeshore Rd between Michigan Ave and Colborne Rd will be shut down to all motor vehicle traffic starting at 10:30am. This includes the main entrance to Canatara Park at Christina St and Cathcart Blvd and the side entrance at Charlesworth Dr. We encourage those who want to park their vehicle inside Canatara, to do so before 10:30am. There will be no motor vehicle traffic allowed into the park after this time except for emergency services and Sarnia Transit. Sandy Ln entrance will also be closed by 10:30am with restricted access only for vendors, performers and volunteers with parking passes issued by the City of Sarnia.

Approximately one hour following the parade completion, vehicles will be allowed to exit the park once pedestrian traffic has reasonably cleared. Vehicles will only be allowed to exit eastbound on Cathcart Blvd as northbound and southbound traffic on Christina St will be restricted access only. Canatara Park is expected to re-open to normal flow of traffic by approximately 3pm. Christina St/Lakeshore Rd will also re-open to normal traffic flow at this time.

At approximately 5pm, Front St will be closed from Exmouth St to London Rd to allow safe pedestrian access to Centennial Park. This section of Front St will remain closed until approximately 11:30pm when pedestrian traffic has cleared.

The Sarnia Police Service would like to advise visitors to Canatara and Centennial Park that pedestrian safety will be a priority and to remind motorists to, expect delays, plan accordingly and please be patient.

Constable Nelson Amaral

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6137

Email: namaral@police.sarnia.on.ca