More details are being released about a high-risk, weapons-related incident in Sarnia this week — that police believe is also related to an earlier stabbing.
Sarnia Police say the incident began around 12:15 p.m. Monday, when two youths in the area of the 800 block of Exmouth Street attended a residence to speak to a friend.
“Upon knocking on the door, the two youths were spoken to by an adult from within the residence,” a news release stated. “The adult male pointed what was believed to be a revolver at the two victims and made a threatening remark to them.
“The two victims fled the area and called 9-1-1.”
Officers with the Sarnia Police Operations Division and Emergency Response Team responded to the scene and shut down the surrounding area to ensure public safety and respond to the emergency situation, police added.
“Police surrounded the residence and negotiations with the suspect were initiated. The suspect eventually surrendered himself into police custody.”
The suspect, a 37-year-old Sarnia man, faces charges of pointing a firearm; possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and uttering threats. He was held for a bail hearing and has since been released from custody.
“The investigation was continued by the Criminal Investigation Division and a search warrant was executed at the residence,” police added. “An airsoft revolver matching the description of the weapon used was found within the residence.
“No one was injured as a result of this incident however this occurrence is believed to be connected to a stabbing that occurred at the same location approximately twelve hours prior,” police added.
In that incident, the suspect has been identified as an 18-year-old of Sarnia, however he has not been located at this time.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest for the following criminal offences:
- Assault with a Weapon
- Aggravated Assault
- Fail to Comply with an Undertaking x 2
Airsoft or replica weapons can be extremely dangerous to the public as they are often used to commit criminal offences and intimidate people, police said, adding that they can be very deceiving and, even upon close inspection, can be mistaken as real firearms as they can have the appearance and weight of real ones.
"When police encounter people carrying or pointing these imitation firearms, they have to react to the threat appropriately,” police added.
