Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: On Saturday, October 5, 2024, police responded to two convenience store robberies that occurred in Chatham.
The first incident was reported at 7:54 a.m. on Grand Avenue East, followed by another robbery at 2:22 p.m. on Harvey Street.
In both instances, the man entered the stores and stole lottery tickets, resorting to violence and brandishing a knife during one of the incidents.
The K9 Unit was deployed to the scene.
In a proactive response, the Chatham-Kent Police Service deployed officers to monitor convenience stores throughout Chatham.
Officers analyzed video surveillance footage which aided in identifying the man.
Further investigation connected him to previous thefts of lottery tickets at a St. Clair Street convenience store on October 3, 2024, and on Queen Street on October 4, 2024.
On October 5, 2024, at approximately 10 p.m., the 26-year-old Sarnia man was observed approaching a Richmond Street convenience store and was immediately taken into custody.
He was transported to police headquarters and held pending a bail hearing.
The man faces multiple charges, including:
– Three counts of Theft Under $5000
– Three counts of Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000
– Three counts of Failing to Comply with Probation
– Robbery with theft
– Robbery with a weapon
– Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Following the bail hearing, he was remanded into custody and moved to the Southwest Regional Detention Centre, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. via video.
Lottery tickets are regulated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, which has tracing capabilities.
Anyone attempting to cash in stolen lottery tickets will face arrest.
