On July 22, 2024, Sarnia Police responded to the Sarnia Public Library for a reported stabbing. Two adult males, known to each other, were involved in a verbal dispute. During the altercation, one male brandished a large knife, swung it at the other male, causing a non-life-threatening slash wound to the victim's arm.
Police quickly located the accused, 36 years of age, within blocks of the library and placed him under arrest. The knife used in the assault was also recovered. At the time of the offense, the accused was subject to three separate Probation Orders and a Recognizance of Bail issued by the courts for recent offenses, each containing conditions that the accused was violating.
As a result of this investigation, the accused has been held for bail on the following charges:
- 1 X Assault with a Weapon
- 1 X Assault Causing Bodily Harm
- 1 X Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- 1 X Breach of Recognizance
- 3 X Failing to Comply with Probation
The scene was contained for a short period while photos were taken of the scene. Sarnia Fire attended to assist with a washdown of the affected area. The victim was treated by ambulance and declined hospital.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please call the Sarnia Police Service at 519-344-8861. If you have information about a crime and would like to report it anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.p3tips.com . Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. If your information leads to an arrest or charges being laid you may receive a cash award.
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 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.
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. https://www.ppsc-sppc.gc.ca/eng/pub/fpsd-sfpg/fps-sfp/tpd/p3/ch18.html