By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Chatham-Kent Police have made multiple arrests over the past week, including a man charged with possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, following a tip from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. Other incidents include impaired driving arrests, a robbery under investigation, and a woman charged with mischief after an outburst at a local business. Police also investigated a break-and-enter and handled a high-speed motorcycle pursuit. Further inquiries are ongoing in several cases.
MAN HELD FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL
A 28-year-old Chatham-Kent man was arrested after an investigation revealed he had been sharing child sexual abuse material on Snapchat. The Chatham-Kent Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit launched the investigation following a tip from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.
On Nov. 27, officers executed a search warrant at the suspect’s Blenheim home, seizing several electronic devices. Police believe the man was using social media platforms, including Facebook Messenger and Discord, to communicate with child victims. He faces charges of possessing, accessing, and distributing child pornography, as well as luring a person under 18. The man remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
Impaired Driving Arrest
A 61-year-old Chatham man was arrested after being found intoxicated behind the wheel. Chatham-Kent Police responded to a driving complaint and located the suspect at a local establishment. Upon arrest, the man provided breath samples over the legal limit of 80 mg/100 mL. He was charged with Over 80 and later released when sober with a future court date.
ROBBERY UNDER INVESTIGATION
Chatham-Kent Police are investigating a robbery that took place on Erie Street South, near Talbot Road East. Approximately 15 witnesses reported seeing the suspect, described as wearing a bright orange construction coat, in the area. Authorities believe the robbery to be an isolated incident and assured the public that there is no ongoing risk to safety.
IMPAIRED DRIVER ARRESTED
A 21-year-old man was arrested for impaired driving after police noticed his car was operating with two flat tires and extensive body damage. Officers stopped the vehicle and determined the driver was intoxicated. Breath samples revealed his blood alcohol level was more than double the legal limit. The man’s license was also found to be suspended due to a previous Stunt Driving conviction. His vehicle was impounded and released with a future court date.
WOMAN ARRESTED FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING
A 20-year-old woman was arrested for impaired driving in Blenheim. Police stopped the woman’s vehicle and, after administering a breath test, found she was over double the legal limit. Her vehicle was impounded and she was released with a future court date.
WOMAN ARRESTED FOR MISCHIEF
A 34-year-old Chatham woman was arrested for mischief after throwing a pot of coffee at employees of a local business on St. Clair Street. The woman had been asked to leave the premises, prompting the outburst. She was taken into custody and held pending a bail hearing.
WARRANT
A 63-year-old Chatham man turned himself in to police in response to an outstanding arrest warrant. He was released from custody after a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
WOMAN CHARGED
A 30-year-old Wallaceburg woman was arrested after police linked her to a “porch pirate” theft on social media. Chatham-Kent Police officers recognized her and took her into custody. She faces charges of possession of stolen property and was released with a future court date.
BREAK-AND-ENTER
Police are investigating a break-and-enter at a cottage on Erie Shore Drive. Authorities believe the theft occurred within the last month, though the number of items stolen is still undetermined. The investigation is ongoing.
MAN ARRESTED
A 36-year-old Chatham man with outstanding warrants was arrested after being spotted on King Street. He was transported to Chatham-Kent Police headquarters and held for a bail hearing.
WOMAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH ROBBERY
A 30-year-old Chatham woman was arrested in connection with a robbery investigation. The woman was wanted for an incident in a parking lot on St. Clair Street, Chatham. She was arrested without incident and held for a bail hearing.
MAN ARRESTED FOR INTOXICATION
A 19-year-old Chatham man was arrested for public intoxication after police responded to a family dispute on Prince Arthur Avenue. The man was unable to care for himself and was taken to Chatham-Kent Police Headquarters to sober up.
MOTORCYCLE PURSUIT AVOIDED
Police attempted to stop a motorcycle being operated without a proper license plate on Keil Drive. The driver fled at high speed, and officers chose not to pursue due to public safety concerns. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
