By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Chatham-Kent police laid a series of charges over several days this week following traffic stops, investigations into thefts and break-ins, and multiple arrests related to outstanding warrants and court-order breaches.
On Dec. 9, police charged a 29-year-old Blenheim man after a brief pursuit in Blenheim. Officers attempted to stop a vehicle with an obstructed licence plate on Fleming Street shortly after 1 p.m. Police said the driver, who was prohibited from driving, fled westbound on Talbot Street West before being arrested a short time later. He faces four counts of operating while prohibited, as well as charges of flight from police, fail to comply and driving while suspended. He was held for bail.
Later that afternoon, police responded to a reported theft at a retail store on St. Clair Street in Chatham. A 31-year-old Chatham-Kent man was arrested after allegedly attempting to leave the store without paying for merchandise. He was charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime and was released with conditions. He is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 5, 2026.
In Wallaceburg, a 46-year-old Chatham-Kent man was arrested early Dec. 8 on an outstanding warrant related to two break-and-enter investigations. Police said sheds and residences on Minnie and Duke streets were entered earlier in the month, with property stolen from both locations. The accused faces multiple charges, including break and enter, possession of stolen property, trespassing at night and disguise with intent. He was held for bail.
Police also reported a stolen vehicle in Chatham on Dec. 8. A white 2012 Cadillac SRX was reported taken from the Grand West area sometime around 3 a.m. The investigation is ongoing.
Several other warrant-related arrests were made throughout the week. On Dec. 10, a 21-year-old Tilbury man was taken into custody during a traffic stop in Dover Township on behalf of Elgin County OPP and later released with conditions. On Dec. 9, a 37-year-old Chatham-Kent man was arrested on an outstanding warrant stemming from a mischief investigation and repeated failures to attend court. He was held for bail.
Traffic enforcement also resulted in multiple charges. Police arrested a 38-year-old Chatham man in Blenheim on Dec. 9 for operating a vehicle while prohibited, while a 49-year-old Chatham man was charged with impaired driving later the same day after a traffic stop in Chatham. His breath samples allegedly exceeded the legal limit. Both men were released with future court dates.
Additional traffic stops led to charges for driving while suspended, speeding and failure to comply with release conditions. In one case, a 23-year-old Chatham man and a 32-year-old female passenger were both charged after police determined they were breaching court-ordered no-contact conditions. The male accused was held for bail.
Police also responded to a public intoxication call in Chatham, a domestic disturbance in Blenheim that resulted in assault charges, and a request for assistance from the RCMP involving an unauthorized person aboard a VIA Rail train. A 46-year-old London man was charged with break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence and later released with a court date.
All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
