News Media Release
Sarnia Police Service Executes High-Risk Search Warrant, Makes Arrests in Abduction and Firearms Case
On November 8, 2024, the Sarnia Police Service received a report of an abduction that occurred in the area of Kathleen Avenue and Walnut Avenue. Officers from the Operations Division responded quickly, locating the victim and beginning a coordinated investigation.
Through investigation, members of the Criminal Investigation Division determined that the victim had been taken by force to a nearby apartment complex, where they were restrained, assaulted, and threatened with a handgun. Acting on this information, the Criminal Investigations Division prepared and obtained a search warrant.
On November 9, 2024, members of the Emergency Response Team, Operations Division, and Criminal Investigations Division executed a high-risk search warrant at the apartment complex. During the search, Police Service Dog Vader discovered a quantity of illegal drugs, leading to additional charges.
As a result of this investigation, the following individuals have been arrested and charged:
Shane ROBINSON-YOUNG
- Kidnapping while using certain firearms – confined
- Robbery using a restricted or prohibited firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Assault
- Assault with a weapon
- Use of a firearm while committing an offence
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Careless use of firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition
- Fail to comply with probation order (2 counts)
- Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm
- Pointing a firearm
- Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
Ethan HAWKE
- Kidnapping while using certain firearms – confined
- Robbery using a restricted or prohibited firearm
April RATHMELL
- Kidnapping while using certain firearms – confined
- Robbery using a restricted or prohibited firearm
- Assault
The accused individuals are held in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for November 10, 2024.
The Sarnia Police Service commends the coordinated efforts of its Operations Division, Criminal Investigations Division, and Emergency Response Team. This swift response underscores the department’s commitment to public safety and continued demonstration of its operational readiness to respond to all types of incidents in our community.