On February 1, 2016 the Sarnia Police Service was dispatched to the 100 Block of Russell Street, in the City of Sarnia at approximately 6:50 pm regarding a 21 year old male on the roof of a local business and was refusing to get down.
Upon Police arrival the man was observed to be running around the roof, waving his arms and yelling incoherently to himself.
Police attempted to communicate with the man but to no avail as nothing was making sense.
The man continued to pace on the roof and was walking on the edge raising great concern that he may fall or jump.
Members of the Sarnia Police Service Emergency Response Team, negotiators from the Sarnia Police Service and further Road Officers were brought in to help maintain and bring a peaceful resolution to the matter.
Also, out of concern for safety, Lambton EMS and Sarnia Fire were on scene standing by.
The male was throwing objects off the roof and he was in possession of a knife, thus limiting the officers’ ability to access the roof in safety.
The man was also observed swinging from the electrical wires to the building and Bluewater Power was called in to shut off the power.
The young male was not responding to the negotiators questions and requests but continued to yell and scream and walk dangerously around the edge of the building.
Every attempt was made to negotiate the young man’s descent including bringing in non-police advisors.
As temperatures dropped concern for the man’s health rose as he was not dressed properly for the temperature.
A ladder was placed on the side of the building to give the man an option to come down at approximately 11:50 p.m.
After seeing the ladder, the man tried pushing it away from the building and slipped from the roof landing on the ground.
Lambton EMS responded immediately and transported him to hospital with minor injuries.
This investigation continues.
