By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Chatham-Kent police dealt with a series of incidents over several days in mid-December, including an impaired driving investigation, assaults, thefts, mischief complaints and the execution of numerous outstanding warrants across the municipality.
Police were called to a single-vehicle collision on Erieau Road in Charing Cross on Dec. 13 at about 7:14 p.m. Officers found the vehicle abandoned at the scene and later located a 25-year-old Charing Cross man nearby with visible injuries. He was taken to hospital, where breath tests registered readings over the legal limit. Police charged the man with impaired operation, operating while over 80 milligrams of alcohol, failing to remain at the scene, failing to report an accident and driving with an open container of liquor. He was later released with conditions and a future court date.
Later that evening, officers responded to a report of an indecent act in the lobby of an apartment building on King Street West in Chatham. A 33-year-old woman was arrested and charged with committing an indecent act. She was released with conditions, including a prohibition from attending the location, and is scheduled to appear in court in January.
Police also executed several outstanding warrants during the reporting period. Arrests were made in Chatham, Wallaceburg, Tilbury and Windsor involving accused who were wanted for offences including failing to attend court, breaching probation, theft, possession of stolen property, impaired driving and break and enter. Some of the accused were released with new court dates, while others were held in custody pending bail hearings.
Multiple mischief investigations were reported, including damage to retail businesses and property at private residences. In one case, a 29-year-old man was charged after allegedly damaging a store on Third Street in Chatham following a dispute with staff. In another incident, a 27-year-old man was charged with mischief after police responded to reports of property damage and threats at a business on Grand Avenue West.
Police also laid charges in several assault investigations. In Wallaceburg, a 62-year-old man was charged with assault causing bodily harm following an incident at a residence that resulted in injuries to a woman requiring medical treatment. The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
Thefts from retail stores continued to keep officers busy, with several suspects charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. Incidents were reported at businesses in Chatham and Wallaceburg, with most accused released with conditions and court dates in January.
Police also laid charges in connection with breaches of court-ordered conditions, including one case in which a man was arrested after allegedly attempting to use banking cards not issued in his name.
According to police, officers responded to 192 calls for service on Dec. 17 alone, including 59 emergency 911 calls. Five arrests were made during that reporting period.
Chatham-Kent police continue to urge residents to report suspicious activity and remind the public that all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
