By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
The Chatham-Kent Police have made significant strides in crime prevention and enforcement, with notable arrests, drug and weapons seizures, and community initiatives in recent days. A significant drug investigation led to the seizure of $13,000 worth of drugs, firearms, and ammunition. At the same time, collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies resulted in arrests related to theft, mischief, and outstanding warrants. The department also celebrated Crime Stoppers’ success in 2024 with a ceremonial flag-raising.
POLICE SEIZE DRUGS, WEAPONS IN MAJOR INVESTIGATION
The Chatham-Kent Police Service Intelligence Unit, with assistance from the Emergency Response Team, arrested a 42-year-old man during a traffic stop related to a drug investigation. The stop involved a black Volkswagen Tiguan SUV, and officers executed a previously obtained search warrant.
Inside the vehicle, police discovered a loaded .40 calibre Glock handgun, 129 grams of cocaine, six oxycodone tablets, and a digital scale.
The Intelligence Unit then executed a search warrant at the man’s residence on Pearl Crescent in Chatham. During the search of the home, officers found a loaded .22 calibre revolver handgun, 8 grams of methamphetamine, 0.7 grams of fentanyl, 1.4 grams of cocaine, 15 codeine tablets, 26 clonazepam tablets, 47 tabs of lysergic acid, debt lists, and numerous rounds of ammunition. The total street value of the drugs seized is estimated at $13,000. The man was arrested and remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
ARRESTS AND WARRANT CASES
The police made seven arrests, including individuals wanted on outstanding warrants, failure to comply, and domestic-related offences.
One case involved the Toronto Police Service notifying CKPS about a 31-year-old Brampton man in custody for an endorsed warrant for theft and possession under $5,000. The man was released with a court date under Form 10 provisions.
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT VIOLATION
In Wallaceburg, officers conducted a traffic stop on Lisgar Street for a Highway Traffic Act (HTA) infraction. During the stop, a 26-year-old male was found breaching the curfew condition of his release order. The individual, who already faces three outstanding matters, was arrested and held for a bail hearing. The police remain committed to community safety and encourage anyone with information about ongoing investigations to contact them.
MAN ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING AND MISCHIEF
A 31-year-old male has been arrested for mischief following repeated incidents of trespassing at a discount retail store on Grand Avenue West in Chatham.
The arrest came after three calls to police regarding ongoing issues with the individual at the location. The store’s owner provided a statement supporting charges against the suspect. Further investigation revealed the man was wanted under a Reasonable and Probable Grounds (RPG) warrant for failing to attend court. He was taken into custody and held for a bail hearing. Authorities are working closely with the business to address the recurring issues at the store.
CK CRIME STOPPERS MARKS SUCCESSFUL 2024
Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers had a productive year in 2024, assisting local police and government agencies in seizing over $170,000 worth of illicit drugs and stolen property and contributing to 43 charges being laid.
A flag-raising ceremony was held at Chatham-Kent City Hall to commemorate the program’s ongoing success. The event highlighted Crime Stoppers’ nearly 40 years of dedicated service in supporting the Chatham-Kent Police Service in its efforts to combat crime.
Crime Stoppers board president Angie Shreve, program coordinator Erica McIntosh, and Inspector Mathew Stezycki were in attendance. The event showcased the continued collaboration between the community and law enforcement to ensure public safety.
WANTED SUSPECT ARRESTED
A 33-year-old male wanted for home invasion and robbery in Windsor was apprehended by police after being located in Wallaceburg.
The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad received information that the suspect, believed to own a sawed-off shotgun, was hiding at a property on Old Glass Road. After several unsuccessful callout attempts, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) initiated the application for a Feeney Warrant to enter the premises.
ROPE called the Chatham-Kent Police Service’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and Police Dog Service (PDS) to execute the warrant. CIRT and PDS secured the area containing the property to ensure public safety.
ROPE officers contacted the suspect hiding in a recreational vehicle (RV) on the property. The suspect was arrested without incident.
Following the arrest, Chatham-Kent police coordinated with Windsor police officers to facilitate the suspect’s transfer to Windsor Police Station, where he will face home invasion and robbery charges.
Authorities commend the collaboration between ROPE, OPP, and Chatham-Kent Police in ensuring a safe and efficient resolution to the case.
