By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Police tackle crime wave: arrests, safety tips, and community updates
Chatham-Kent Police responded to several incidents, including thefts, break-ins, impaired driving, and multiple warrant arrests. Officers also addressed community concerns such as winter driving safety and fraud targeting seniors. Several individuals were apprehended for offences ranging from bail violations and assault to traffic infractions and property crimes. Investigations led to arrests, charges, and court dates, with some suspects held for bail hearings. Police continue to prioritize public safety and crime prevention.
BREAK AND ENTER ON HEATHER DRIVE
Police responded to a report of a woman attempting to open doors on Heather Drive, Chatham. Officers located the woman in possession of a laptop, which was later confirmed to have been stolen from a nearby shed. A 30-year-old Chatham woman was arrested and charged with break-and-enter. The laptop was returned to its rightful owner. She was released with a future court date.
THEFT AND BAIL VIOLATIONS
At 4:26 p.m., police responded to a theft complaint at a grocer on St. Clair Street, Chatham. A 37-year-old man, attempting to steal meat for the second time that day, fled after being confronted. He was stopped by police and arrested for theft. It was revealed he was under house arrest for prior charges. He was charged with theft, possession of stolen property, and failure to comply with a release order. The man was held for bail.
WARRANT ARREST ON THAMES STREET
At 10:41 p.m., police received a suspicious male report on Thames Street, Chatham. A 44-year-old man provided a false identity but was found to have two outstanding warrants. He resisted arrest but was subdued and charged with obstruction, resisting arrest, and outstanding warrants. He was held for bail.
ASSAULT AND FORCIBLE CONFINEMENT
Police intervened after a 23-year-old woman was found injured and running down the street. Investigation revealed she had been assaulted and held against her will. A 23-year-old Wallaceburg man was arrested with OPP assistance outside Chatham-Kent. He faces charges including assault, assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, and uttering threats. He was held for bail.
TRAFFIC STOP AND VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT
Police stopped a vehicle on Dufferin Avenue, Wallaceburg, driven by a 35-year-old Walpole Island man operating without a license. He was issued summonses for driving while suspended and prohibited. The vehicle was towed and impounded for 45 days.
FAILURE TO APPEAR IN COURT
A 33-year-old Sarnia man, previously charged with rental fraud, was arrested after failing to appear in court three times. Upon release from Sarnia Jail on other charges, he was apprehended and transported to Chatham-Kent Courthouse for a bail hearing.
IMPROPER PLATES AND BAIL VIOLATION
A 56-year-old Chatham man was arrested after being stopped on Alexandra Avenue for driving with improper plates. He was also found in violation of conditions prohibiting him from being with the vehicle’s passenger. He faces multiple charges, including failing to comply with an undertaking, and was held for bail.
BUSINESS BREAK AND ENTER
Officers responded to a Colborne Street business break-in. A 45-year-old Chatham man was arrested with copper and wire cutters. He was charged with break-and-enter, possession of stolen property, and possession of break-in tools. He was held for a bail hearing.
ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP WARRANT ARREST
During a routine traffic stop, police arrested a 29-year-old Chatham man wanted on an outstanding warrant. He was released with a future court date.
WINTER DRIVING SAFETY
Police responded to eight motor vehicle collisions. Drivers are reminded to Slow down in winter conditions, avoid cruise control on icy roads, steer gently and avoid sudden movements and maintain safe following distances.
GRAND AVENUE WARRANT ARREST
A 32-year-old woman violating a conditional sentence order was arrested at the Probation and Parole office and held for bail.
IMPAIRED DRIVING INCIDENT
A 43-year-old Charing Cross man was arrested after driving a pickup truck into a tree on Indian Creek Road West, Chatham. Tests showed his blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. He was charged with impaired operation and released with a Dec. 9, 2024, court date.
ALCOHOL IMPAIRMENT ARREST
A 65-year-old Chatham man was arrested on Wellington Street West for driving under the influence. Found to be 2.5 times over the legal limit, he was charged with impaired operation and released with a court date.
NEIGHBOUR DISPUTE WARRANT ARREST
A 55-year-old Tilbury man was arrested for failing to attend court during a neighbour dispute investigation. He was held for a bail hearing.
SUSPICIOUS PERSONS AND WARRANTS
Police arrested a 41-year-old Chatham woman with an outstanding DNA warrant and a 42-year-old Chatham man with OPP warrants. She was released while he was transferred to OPP custody.
ADDITIONAL WARRANT ARRESTS
Three individuals turned themselves in or were apprehended on Lorne Avenue for outstanding warrants. All were released with future court dates.
