On Saturday, July 22, 2017, at approximately 7:30 am, an officer on general patrol observed a local business sign in the 200 block of North Christina Street which had sustained significant damage overnight. The sign, which belongs to a local law office, is valued at over $2000.

Also on Saturday, July 22, 2017, officers responded to a call in the 700 block of Lakeshore Road, at approximately 7:15 am, regarding two motor vehicles that had been damaged. Officers observed that some sort of caustic substance had been poured onto the vehicles causing paint to peel off. This damage is also estimated to be into the thousands of dollars.

At this time the Sarnia Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance into these crimes. If anyone has any information they are please asked to contact the Sarnia Police Service at 519-344-8861 (extension 0) 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

On July 18, 2017, between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm, two separate residents in the central area of Sarnia, were taken advantage of. Both residents were elderly and vulnerable.

In both cases the male party was described as being unkempt, with a thin build, early 20’s and clean shaven.

The first incident that occurred on July 18, 2017, occurred in the area of East Street and London Road. The resident advised police that the male described above attend her door claiming he had injured his arm and needed assistance. She had allowed him to use a portable landline phone as he stood outside. She then returned inside to get him something to drink and when she returned he had left the area with the phone.

The second incident occurred in the area of London Road and MacKenzie Street. The male in question attended the residence claiming he had injured his arm and required assistance. The resident was able to recall that this person having attended her residence at an earlier date making the same claim. At that time the male attended the residence and told her he had also injured his arm and required money to get to the hospital. At that time the resident did give him $20. Fortunately, she was able to recall this person from the previous incident and when she told him that she remembered him from the prior time he immediately left the area on foot.

This individual has not been violent or threatening in any way but it does appear he is attempting to take advantage of people for either their money or property. If anyone does know who this person is they are please asked to contact the Sarnia Police Service and speak to Detective Jeff Rovers at 519-344-8861, extension 6159.

It is always concerning when individuals take advantage of anyone but more alarming when the possible victims are vulnerable. If you do not know who the person at the door is or are concerned avoid opening the door. We are also asking neighbours to keep an eye out for their fellow neighbours especially if you feel that they may be vulnerable to these sorts of incidents. As well, we are asking family members to keep an eye on your loved ones and remind them to be careful and on guard.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

The Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigations Division is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect who used counterfeit money at a local business.

On June 22^nd, 2017, at approximately 5pm, the suspect (pictured below) attended a local coffee shop on Exmouth Street and paid for his purchase with a suspected phony U.S. twenty dollar bill.

The suspect is described as a young white male, slim build, light facial hair, and on the date in question, was wearing burgundy pants with a hanging belt, a black and white t-shirt, black ball cap and a studded or spiked wristband.

The Sarnia Police Service would like to remind retailers that they do not have to accept suspected counterfeit currency and they can simply ask for another note. Tips on how to detect counterfeit currency can be found on the Bank of Canada Website at http://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention/ .

Anyone with information is being asked to call Detective Constable Ken McLachlin at 519-344-8861 x.6154 or Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://www.sarnialambtoncrimestoppers.org/ .

Constable Nelson Amaral

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6137

Email: namaral@police.sarnia.on.ca

A 31 year old female from Sarnia has been arrested and charged with Impaired Driving.

On July 25^th, 2017 shortly after 10:30pm, a Sarnia Police Officer on patrol witnessed a vehicle driving erratically in the area of Christina Street and Maxwell Street. The vehicle was observed making an aggressive turn while failing to stop at a red light. The officer continued to follow the vehicle as it weaved between lanes and veered into an oncoming lane. The driver continued north on Christina Street occupying two lanes of traffic before she was stopped by the officer.

At this time, the officer formed the opinion that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol and as a result she was placed under arrest accordingly. The driver was then transported to the Sarnia Police Service Headquarters where she provided samples of her breath that were no less than 1.5 times the legal limit.

As a result, Ashley Elizabeth Kelly was also charged with Having Over 80mg of Alcohol in 100ml of Blood and was later released on a Promise to Appear.

Constable Nelson Amaral

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6137

Email: namaral@police.sarnia.on.ca

On June 14^th, 2017, officers from the Criminal Investigations Division of the Sarnia Police Service arrested Clifford George Baird, age 73 from Sarnia and his son Brent Timothy Baird, age 52 from Sarnia. Both have been charged jointly with Fraud Over $5000 and Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence.

The father and son duo posed as investment managers, but instead, kept people’s money for their own gain and used fake bonds and cheques to make clients believe their money was being invested in foreign holdings. They used an investment platform that proposed incredible returns reaping a 900% gain in nine months. They also convinced clients that they were working with the Chinese Royal Family in multi-trillion dollar investments and would continue to lead on clients to this story with fake emails, pictures and bank certificates. Unfortunately, one local victim was de-frauded of over $66,000. It is believed other victims may have also been affected.

Clifford and Timothy Baird have resided in various locations throughout Canada and the United States and have a history of similar incidents. They have since been released from custody and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone who is familiar with these individuals or may have fallen victim to this investment scam, is being asked to contact Detective Constable Kent Jamieson at 519-344-8861 ext. 6221.

Constable Nelson Amaral

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6137

Email: namaral@police.sarnia.on.ca

On July 27^th, 2017 shortly after 1:30pm, an officer in the Traffic Division of the Sarnia Police Service observed an unescorted wide-load transport heading westbound on Exmouth Street at Indian Road. At this time, the wide-load vehicle was interfering with other traffic while striking tree branches and traffic lights. The officer stopped the vehicle and determined that it was operating without a wide-load permit. The vehicle was 1.6m wider, 1.67m longer and 0.45m higher than the maximum allowances without a permit.

As a result, the driver, a 61 year old male from Tory Hill, Ontario, has been charged under The Highway Traffic Act with ‘Over Width Load’ and Fail to Comply with Condition of Permit. The trucking company was also charged under The Highway Traffic Act with Permit Over Height Load, Permit Over Width Load and Permit Fail to Comply With Condition of Permit. Each charge carries a fine of $390.

The truck was escorted by police back to the highway to await a proper permit.

Constable Nelson Amaral

Community Services Branch

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6137

Email: namaral@police.sarnia.on.ca

Over the course of the weekend the Sarnia Police Service responded to 216 calls for service. Calls included:

12 – Alarms

7 – Ambulance Assists

11 – Break and Enter Reports

11 – Disturb the Peace

12 – Domestic Disputes

5 – Liqour License Act

15 – Motor Vehicle Collisions

10 – Noise Complaints

10 – Trespass to Property

8 – Trouble with Youth

9 – Unwanted Persons

Road officers conducted approximately 19 routine traffic stops for various driving related concerns. Officers issued 15 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

The Sarnia Police Service would like to remind individuals to secure their property. Unfortunately, with the nice weather individuals who take advantage of unlocked doors and windows to both homes and vehicles tend to increase their activities of stealing.

As of late, officers have been responding to an increased number of thefts that could have been avoided. Home owners have been leaving garage doors and windows insecure and criminals have been taking advantage of these opportunities. The thieves have been taking tools, bicycles, and other items.

Also, homes are not immune to break and enters and by not ensuring that your property has been secured, someone may take advantage of an opportunity.

Please consider installing light sensors that would be activated in the areas of doors and windows. If the light does turn on and you are aware of it, take the time to check it out.

Also ensure that the area around your house is clear of clutter and over grown plants and trees. This will help minimize where individuals could lurk in the shadows.

Do not leave your garage door open fully on a regular basis. This allows possible thieves to take note of what you may have worth taking from your garage.

Notify your neighbor if you are going to be away to look out for your residence and property. Have timers for indoor lights. Don’t tell everyone over social media that you are or will be away for you do not know who may be “creeping” you.

These are just some measures one can take to minimize the risk of someone breaking into your property.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Sarnia Fire and the Sarnia Police Service are both on scene regarding grass fires that have been sparked along the train tracks that run parallel to Scott Road.

Scott Road at Churchill (Highway 40 West) and St Andrews Street at Vidal Street have been closed to allow the Fire Department to deal with the fires and for public safety.

We are asking motorists to avoid the area at this time.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On August 1, 2017, at approximately 10:45 am, the Sarnia Police Service and Lambton EMS Paramedics were dispatched to the area of Berger Drive regarding, what was initially believed to be, a medical emergency that was called in by concerned citizens. A vehicle was observed pulled over to the side of the road but with the engine still running and an occupant appearing to be in some form of discomfort.

The occupant, who was alone in the vehicle, was seated in the driver’s seat. As the officer, along with paramedics, dealt with the driver, reasonable grounds were formed to arrest him for care and control of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol.

The accused was then transported to the Sarnia Police Headquarters where he supplied samples of his breath into an Intoxilyzer Instrument that was operated by a qualified breath technician.

The test readings indicated that the accused had nearly three times the legal limit of alcohol in his blood.

The accused is a 23 year old male from the Plympton-Wyoming area. He now faces charges for over 80 mgs of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, care and control of a motor vehicle while impaired, and breach of probation.

The accused was held for a bail hearing sometime today.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

The Sarnia Police Service is currently dealing with an incident in the area of Kathleen Street and Walnut Street in the City of Sarnia. A residence in the 300 block of Kathleen Street has been secured by police but we are asking people to avoid the area until the matter comes to a resolution.

At this time there is no concern for public safety as the incident is contained by police to the residence.

As this matter unfolds more information will be released.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

At approximately 3:30 pm, on August 3, 2017, members of the Sarnia Police COPPS Unit observed a 30 year old male, from Sarnia, in the area of Walnut Street and Kathleen Street. It was determined that this male had an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction. As officers prepared to arrest the accused on the outstanding warrant the suspect fled from police on foot.

The suspect ran into a residence in the 300 block of Kathleen Street where he barricaded himself into a room. Concerns arose that the suspect was in possession of weapons that could cause harm to the suspect or others.

The Sarnia Police Service Emergency Response Team was called out along with negotiators from the Sarnia Police. Lambton Paramedics were also on scene as a precautionary measure.

Due to concerns of public safety the row of homes, where the suspect was barricaded in, were evacuated and residents were placed in City buses. Some of the residents were driven to places where they could rest for the night.

At approximately 5:50 am, after lengthy negotiations, the 30 year old male came out peacefully from the residence and was taken into police custody. He was then escorted to hospital, by police, for observation where he currently remains. The Sarnia Police Service continues their investigation into the matter.

We would like to thank the residents and community for their patience.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

Over the course of the long weekend the Sarnia Police Service responded to 240 calls for service. Calls included:

15 – Alarms

8 – Ambulance Assists

16 – Disturb the Peace

13 – Domestic Disputes

7 – Family Disputes

13 – Motor Vehicle Collisions

12 – Person Welfare Checks

5 – Shoplifters

13 – Thefts

15 – Unwanted Persons

Road officers conducted approximately 16 routine traffic stops for various driving related concerns. Officers also issued approximately 20 Provincial Offence Notices (tickets) over the course of the long weekend for various infractions.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

The Sarnia Police Service is reaching out to the Citizens of Sarnia regarding a public safety concern that has arisen this evening.

Over the past five hours Lambton Paramedics, Sarnia Fire Fighters and the Sarnia Police Service have dealt with three suspected drug overdoses in the City of Sarnia. One of the overdoses has resulted in the death of an individual. The other two overdoses remain in hospital at this time.

From current information, the drug that was purchased was thought to be cocaine but it is now believed to have been laced with another substance, namely Fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid.

We are asking individuals who may have recently purchased any street drugs to not use the substance out of concern of a possible overdose. Also, if you believe someone has overdosed please contact 911 to have paramedics attend immediately as every second counts.

Please do not be afraid to tell the 911 workers that drugs were involved with the medical emergency. This will help them decide the proper course of treatment and protection. Under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act put in place on May 4, 2017,” there is immunity from charges of simple possession of a controlled substance and charges regarding the violation of pre-trial release, probation order, conditional sentence, or parole associated with regards to possession of a controlled substance for individuals who seek emergency medical or law enforcement assistance for themselves or another person suffering an overdose of a controlled substance, and remain at the scene until help arrives.”

If you know of a family member, loved one, or friend who may fall victim to this please talk to them and warn them.

Our utmost concern is the health and wellbeing of the people of Sarnia and the 911 workers who respond to these calls. If the substance is indeed Fentanyl, it only takes several grains of the drug to cause death. Please do not touch anything you even remotely believe to be the drug.

Further information will follow as it develops.

Constable Giovanni Sottosanti

Media Officer

Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168

Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca

On Friday August 11, 2017, at around 10:30 PM, officers from the Sarnia Police Vice Unit assisted by Officers from the Criminal Investigations Branch and the Chatham-Kent Canine Unit executed a Controlled Drug search warrant in the 500 block of Cardiff Drive.

A 34 year old Sarnia male and a 32 year old Sarnia female were located in the garage at the residence. The female was charged with possession of a controlled substance and was released from police custody to appear in court at a later date. After further investigation, the male was released unconditionally.

The occupant of the house, David Bagnarol, 36 years old of Sarnia, was not at the house when the warrant was executed but returned to the house while officers were on scene. He was arrested for possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Seized during the search warrant was 29 grams of crystal methamphetamine, with an approximate street value of $2900; 23 – 30 milligram tablets of morphine, street value of $690; and $255 cash.

Bagnarol was charged with 2 counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine and morphine and possession of cannabis marihuana.

He was held in custody pending a bail hearing

On August 14, 2017, at around 4:50 AM, a lone male entered the gas bar in the 1000 block of Confederation Street. The male, whose face was concealed and appeared to have a handgun, demanded money from the clerk. The clerk refused and deterred the suspect from getting money. The suspect fled the area on a bicycle.

The suspect is about 5’5″ and 155 lbs.

The Sarnia Police Service recommends against confronting robbery suspects.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Detective Constable Sam Sulaiman of the Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigations Branch, 519-344-8861 ext. 6132 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

.

On August 15, 2017, at around 9:30 AM, a vehicle driven by an elderly female was pulling into a parking spot in the 1300 block of Lambton Mall Road near the library. The driver accelerated causing the vehicle to collide with the concrete wall and window of the library. This resulted in minimal damage to the vehicle and moderate damage to the building. The driver, who was not injured, attended at Bluewater Health for observation. The driver was not charged.

On August 14, 2017, around 1:30 PM, a vehicle travelling south on East Street entered into the northbound lane to pass two south facing vehicles stopped at the red light at Wellington Street. The vehicle failed to stop at the red light at Wellington Street. The vehicle then collided with an eastbound vehicle on Wellington Street. Both vehicles were severely damaged.

The driver of the eastbound vehicle was transported to Bluewater Health by EMS for treatment of undetermined injuries.

The 24 year old female driver of the southbound vehicle was found to be acting in a bizarre manner displaying quick and uncontrolled body movements accompanied by uncontrolled screaming. Police found her to be uncooperative.

The driver was arrested and subsequently charged with dangerous driving and impaired (by drug) driving. While at the police station holding cells awaiting a bail hearing, the female caused water damage to the cells resulting in an additional charge of mischief over $5000.