Broadcast Time: 12:30pm Date: January 15, 2024
Update to previous Media Release on January 13, 2024
https://www.sarniapolice.ca/serious-stabbing-incident-on-devine-street/
**UPDATE**
On Friday, January 12, 2024, just after 8:00pm the Sarnia Police Service (SPS) responded to a serious stabbing incident in the area of the 800 block of Devine Street. The victim in this matter suffered a stab wound to the base of his neck. The victim is still undergoing emergency medical care and is believed to have potentially suffered permanent life-altering injuries.
Given the severity of the injuries, the Sarnia Police Service immediately deployed significant resources in response this investigation. This included officers from the Criminal Investigation Division, Operations Division (front line patrol), Street Crime Unit, Emergency Response Unit, and our Investigative Analyst.
Over the course of the weekend, multiple investigative leads were explored, and warrants executed with the assistance of SPS Emergency Response Team.
On Saturday, January 13, 2024, 11:50pm the Sarnia Police located, and arrested Dillon Gray-Vail (20 years of age) in relation to this incident.
Dillon Gray-Vail is charged with the following offences:
- Attempt to Commit Murder
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Fail to Comply with Probation (4 Counts)
- Failure to Comply with a Release Order
The SPS has sought and obtained an arrest warrant for a second male party in connection to this incident:
Michael Vella-White is currently *WANTED* for the following offence:
- Attempt to Commit Murder
- An arrest warrant exists for Michael Vella-White (22 years of age).
The SPS is asking that anyone with information regarding Michael Vella-White’s whereabouts contact the Sarnia Police Service, Criminal Investigations Division at 519-344-8861, or call Sarnia-Lambton Crimestoppers at (519) 332-8477.
Call for additional Witnesses:
The SPS is aware that members of the public were in the vicinity of this incident when it occurred. A Sarnia Transit bus unloaded in area, at the time of the stabbing, near the intersection of Westbury Court and Devine Street. If members of the public witnessed this incident, they are asked to contact the Sarnia Police Service, Criminal Investigations Division at 519-344-8861.
Additional Comments:
“With charges now before the courts, we are hopeful this bring a small measure of comfort to the victim and his family. Despite the significant injuries, we recognize that it could have been even worse.
Our community should be encouraged to know that the Sarnia Police Service takes these matters very seriously. Since the initial report, multiple teams of officers have worked tirelessly and cooperatively to bring this urgent matter successful before the courts.
We thank all members of the public who provided assistance, and as this investigation continues, we ask anyone with additional information to please come forward.”
– Chief Derek Davis, Sarnia Police Service
Staff Sergeant I. Skinn #166
Criminal Investigations Division
Tel: 519-344-8861
Email: 166@police.sarnia.on.ca