Tara Jeffrey
A 23-year-old Sarnia man has been arrested in connection with a violent home invasion back in July that left an elderly man with life-altering injuries, Sarnia Police say.
The suspect was arrested Thursday, Sept. 28, and faces several charges linked to the July 22 incident, which prompted a public safety warning to residents as police launched an investigation.
The incident occurred July 22, around 2:15 a.m., when police say a suspect entered a home in the 700 block of Earlscourt Drive, where an elderly couple was sleeping. An 81-year-old victim was violently attacked with an edged weapon, leaving him with multiple lacerations and a fractured skull.
The suspect fled the scene with property belonging to the victim.
A search for the suspect was unsuccessful, and investigative efforts in the following days included an extensive neighbourhood canvas and seizure of potential video surveillance images, police noted.
“A comprehensive ground search was conducted that resulted in forensic evidence being seized,” a news release stated. “The Criminal Investigations Division, with the assistance of the Sarnia Police Forensic Identification Unit, identified items for further examination at the Centre of Forensic Sciences.”
“This violent attack was inflicted on an unsuspecting and vulnerable victim inside the sanctity of his own home,” said Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis. “Identifying the person responsible has been a top priority for our police service.
“Our investigative team has worked tirelessly and we are pleased the person responsible has been identified and brought back before the courts.”
Police added that the victim has experienced life-altering injuries and continues to experience medical complications because of the attack. He remains under ongoing medical supervision (outpatient care).
The suspect, who, at the time of the attack, was subject to a Recognizance of Bail for other violent offences, police added.
He has been held for a bail hearing and faces the following charges:
- Aggravated Assault
- Assault with a Weapon
- Robbery
- Possession of a Weapon
- 2 X Break & Enter – Commit (Dwelling)
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order
- Fail to Comply with Release Order
- Theft Under $5000
- Trespass By Night