Broadcast Time: 2:55 p.m. Date: June 22, 2023
On the 20th of June 2023, a gold coloured vehicle being operated by a female party was travelling eastbound on Talfourd Street when a silver vehicle being operated by the accused suddenly stopped in front of her and began reversing at a rapid pace. Attempting to avoid a collision, the female victim began reversing but was unable to avoid being struck. The female party recognized the accused and was able to turn her vehicle around and flee. The accused continued to follow her and got beside her. The accused began to spray what is believed to be bear spray through their passenger window. The female was able to evade the accused and drive down another street. Again the accused continued their pursuit, passing the female’s vehicle and blocking her passage at an intersection. The accused then got out of his car and ran over to the passenger window and began spraying bear spray at a male passenger who was able to get out of the vehicle and flee on foot. The female driver experienced difficulty breathing and a temporary loss of vision due to the spray. As a result of the events unfolding in the area, a local elementary school was advised to keep their students inside until being notified it was safe to proceed as normal.
Upon Police arrival, they met with the accused who attempted to be the victim in this incident in order to mislead the responding officers. However through multiple witness accounts, physical evidence, and other investigative techniques, the officers were able to ascertain the events that allegedly unfolded during this event. As a result, a twenty-year-old male from Sarnia ON, was also on a judicial release for trafficking controlled substances out of Lambton County, was arrested for Public Mischief, Operating a Conveyance in a manner that was dangerous to the Public, and two counts of Assault with a Weapon. The male was held for a bail hearing.
Further, Police discovered that the accused had operated his vehicle during this event with a toddler in the back seat of their vehicle. The child’s welfare was accounted for and was unharmed in the event.
On the 21st of June 2023, the accused was released after attending bail court. The name of the accused is being withheld in order to protect the identity of the child.
The Sarnia Police would like to extend their thanks to the kind actions and participation of all of the witnesses involved.
Sergeant Miro Soucek #191
IMPACT
Tel: 519-344-8861, extension 6191
Email: 191@police.sarnia.on.ca