By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Chatham-Kent Police dealt with nearly 600 calls for service between May 23 and 25, with multiple arrests stemming from thefts, domestic incidents, bail violations and impaired driving.
Over the 72-hour period, officers made 22 arrests and responded to 598 total calls, including 117 reportable incidents, 54 property checks and 17 community patrols.
Among the more serious incidents were two separate retail thefts on St. Clair Street in Chatham.
On May 23, officers responded to a report of two women concealing merchandise at a retail store. Loss prevention staff apprehended a 35-year-old woman from Chatham at the scene, while a second woman, 51, fled on foot, discarding items as she ran. Both were later arrested and charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. They were also issued trespass notices and released with a court date of June 23.
The following morning, officers were again called to a retail store on St. Clair Street after two suspects reportedly exited with a large quantity of unpaid merchandise. A 56-year-old Windsor man was arrested in the parking lot. A 44-year-old Windsor woman attempted to flee but was caught shortly after, and a third suspect — a 31-year-old woman from Chatham-Kent — was found with the stolen items. All three face multiple charges, including possession of stolen property and obstructing police. The male and one female suspect remain in custody; the other woman was released with a court date.
Police were also called to a domestic incident on St. George Street in Chatham on May 25. A verbal dispute between two men escalated into threats and physical contact. A 31-year-old Chatham man was charged with uttering threats and released on conditions, including no contact with the victim.
Construction site break-in leads to charges
On May 22, police were called to a home under construction on Northland Drive in Chatham, where a man was spotted unlawfully entering the building. A 27-year-old man was later located nearby and arrested. He is facing charges including break and enter, possession of stolen property, mischief, and breach of probation, and remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
Impaired driving complaint results in arrest
Later the same evening, officers responded to a complaint of a possible impaired driver on King Street West. A vehicle matching the description was stopped on St. Clair Street. A 35-year-old man from Alberta was arrested after breath tests confirmed his blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit. He was released with a future court date.
Repeat offenders arrested in Wallaceburg
Earlier in the week, a 35-year-old Wallaceburg man was arrested after allegedly assaulting and threatening a woman known to him during a domestic dispute. He remains in custody following the May 21 incident.
In a separate case, police arrested a 50-year-old Wallaceburg man for breaching bail conditions related to earlier charges of property damage. He was found in a prohibited area and is also being held for bail.
Warrant arrest made after suspect flees on foot
On May 20, a 34-year-old man wanted on warrants for assault and multiple failures to attend court was arrested after being spotted walking along Keil Drive in Chatham. The suspect attempted to evade police by hiding in a nearby bush but was located and taken into custody.
Police remind residents that all individuals charged are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service encourages anyone with information related to ongoing investigations to contact them or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
