Broadcast Time: 10am Date: February 26, 2024
On February 25 2024 at 12:10pm, Sarnia Police attended an apartment building in the area of Colborne Rd and Berkshire Rd to remove two individuals who did not reside there. The owner (and resident) provided police access to their apartment, into which officers entered and announced their presence.
Once inside, police located the accused attempting to hide behind a closet door. Police advised him that he was under arrest, and ordered him to show himself. He emerged from behind the door holding a machete and what appeared to be a handgun was observed at this feet. Failing to comply with officer’s direction, police discharged a service issued conducted energy weapon (CEW), which temporarily incapacitated him. Officers moved in to gain control of the accused who continued to physically resist arrest. The accused was treated medically at the scene by ambulance, and later at hospital for minor injuries.
During the investigation, police located a backpack owned by the accused, with what appeared to be a handgun sticking out of it. Inside the bag was an assortment of replica pellet guns, an assortment of knives, and brass knuckles capable of discharging an electrical shock.
At the time of this offence, the accused was subject to five court ordered weapons prohibitions. These orders prohibit a person from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition and explosive substance during the period specified in the order. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/section-109.html
As a result, the Peter Thorpe, 45 years old of Sarnia, has been charged with the following offences and held for bail:
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Assaulting peace officer with weapon
- Resisting arrest
- Firearm: Unauthorized possession
- Firearm: knowledge of unauthorized possession
- Prohibited Weapon: Unauthorized possession
- Possession of a firearm or weapon contrary to prohibition order X7
Staff Sergeant Johann Lewis
Operations Division
Tel: 519-344-8861
Email: 200@police.sarnia.on.ca
General Information on Bail Hearings
“Held for bail” means the police chose to not release an accused person back into the community. However, as the police cannot hold a person in custody for longer than 24 hours, we are required to send them to bail court, where they will have a bail hearing. There, the presiding judge or Justice of the Peace will decide on whether the person should be released into the community or not.
“Released on bail” means the police held them in custody, but a subsequent release decision by the courts was made.
The bail system provides a framework to oversee and put limits on police custody. It is governed by legislation including the Criminal Code of Canada.