By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Police in Chatham-Kent responded to more than 600 calls for service over a 24-hour period, including multiple arrests stemming from a violent party, drug-related offences and impaired driving incidents.
Officers were dispatched to a residence on Dillon Road in Raleigh Township early Saturday morning following reports of armed individuals at a large youth gathering. Witnesses told police that uninvited suspects wearing ski masks had drawn knives and dropped a handgun during the disturbance. The suspects fled in a silver vehicle before officers arrived.
While interviewing witnesses, police observed the suspect vehicle return to the area and conducted a high-risk traffic stop. Two 17-year-old Chatham males were arrested after officers discovered a bag containing individually packaged controlled substances, a scale and packaging materials. Both were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and released with a court date set for Oct. 15.
Shortly after, police were called to the local hospital where a male victim reported being assaulted at the same party. The 16-year-old accused from Blenheim allegedly struck the victim in the head and face, causing dental injuries. He was arrested for assault causing bodily harm and released with conditions. His court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 24.
Over the weekend, four impaired driving arrests were made across the municipality:
· A 36-year-old Wallaceburg man was found unconscious at a stop sign on Fairview Line with drug paraphernalia in his lap.
· A 19-year-old Harwich Township man was discovered asleep at the wheel on Charing Cross Road.
· A 40-year-old Chatham man fled on foot during a traffic stop on Forest Street but was apprehended and charged with impaired driving and obstruction.
· A 21-year-old Blenheim man was stopped on Queen Street and charged with impaired driving and violating novice driver alcohol restrictions.
All four were released on Form 10s with court dates set for early September.
Additional arrests included a 30-year-old Windsor man charged with assault following a road rage incident on St. Clair Road, and a 43-year-old Wallaceburg woman charged with breach of conditions and assault. Police also charged a Chatham man and a Whitby woman for violating bail conditions related to previous intimate partner violence.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service continues to investigate several of these incidents and encourages anyone with information to contact them at 519-352-1234.
