Sarnia Police responded to a residence in the 900 block of Maxwell Street just before 8 PM on Wednesday, April 17, to check on the welfare of a 50 year old Sarnia man after family called police, concerned for his well-being. Police attended and after getting no response at the door, found it to be unlocked. They entered the premise, announcing themselves numerous times. Lights were on inside but no one was answering. They eventually located the man sleeping in the bedroom.
The man was lying beside a shot gun with shells near the weapon. The firearm was removed from the room. There was a gun bag on the right side of the bed. There was evidence of alcohol in the room. The man awoke. He became belligerent and verbally abusive. The weapon that was taken from the bed was found to be loaded with one round in the chamber and two in the magazine. There was another shell in the bed with the man. The man continued arguing with police.
He was advised he was being arrested for unsafe storage and unauthorized possession of a firearm, after information was received that he did not have any license to possess or any firearms registered to him. The man continued with his belligerent manner. He made a threatening comment to one of the officers. He was advised of an additional charge of Utter Threats to Cause Death.
The man began struggling with the officers. He was handcuffed but continued arguing and refusing to walk. He had to be carried out to the cruiser. He is also being charged with Resisting Arrest. After looking in the residence for safety concerns, a .22 calibre handgun was also found. Two more charges were added.
Due to his intoxicated condition and the comments he made to family, the man was eventually taken to hospital for assessment. He is facing a total of six Criminal Code offences.