On Sunday July 28, 2024 at 12:42pm, members of the Sarnia Police Service received a 9-1-1 call for an unwanted person inside a Trudeau Drive residence. Initial information was that the male was possibly armed with a knife. As officers arrived on scene, the accused attempted to flee through the back of the property but was quickly placed under arrest.
Investigation revealed that the accused was not known to the victim prior, but had agreed to meet via an internet app. The accused was displaying erratic behavior, appeared to be under the influence of illegal substances, and was asked to leave. The accused then produced a sawed off shot gun. Fearing imminent harm, the victim called police and the suspect attempted to flee.
Following the arrest, a search of the immediate area revealed a duffle bag belonging to the accused. Inside were two sawed off shotguns with ammunition. At that time, the accused was subject to a lifetime court imposed firearms prohibition to not possess firearms, explosives or ammunition.
The accused, 36 years of age of Sarnia, has been held for bail on the following charges:
- Assault with a Weapon
- Using a Firearm in the Commission of an Offence
- Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order x2
- Possession of a Prohibited Firearm x2
- Possession of a Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition x2
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized X2
- Careless Storage of a Firearm X2
- Careless Storage of Ammunition
- Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose X2
“The presence of these weapons illustrates the unknown dangers officers often face, further reinforcing that there is no such thing as a “routine” call. We recognize the importance of ensuring our officers have the necessary training, equipment, and resources to safely respond to these rapidly changing circumstances. This incident could easily have had a tragic outcome. Our responding officers did an exceptional job in quickly and safely arresting this individual.” - Chief Derek Davis, Sarnia Police Service
General Information on Bail Hearings
“Held for bail” means the police chose to not release an accused person back into the community. However, as the police cannot hold a person in custody for longer than 24 hours, we are required to send them to bail court, where they will have a bail hearing. There, the presiding judge or Justice of the Peace will decide on whether the person should be released into the community or not.
“Released on bail” means the police held them in custody, but a subsequent release decision by the courts was made.
“Remanded” into custody means the accused was not granted release by the courts.
The bail system provides a framework to oversee and put limits on police custody. It is governed by legislation including the Criminal Code of Canada.