Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: On April 10, 2025, at approximately 12:05 p.m., the Chatham-Kent Police Service responded to a wellness check involving an unconscious person occupying a motor vehicle in the parking lot of a local business in Chatham.
Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle and found a 44-year-old male from Chatham unconscious in the driver’s seat.
After knocking on the window several times, officers were able to wake the suspect and direct him out of the vehicle.
Police also observed signs of impairment and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
The suspect was taken to the hospital based on reasonable and probable grounds that he was impaired by drugs while in the care and control of a vehicle.
At the hospital, he was examined by a qualified drug recognition evaluation expert who conducted a series of tests which the accused failed.
The drug recognition evaluation expert identified that the impairment was caused by a central nervous system stimulant as well as a narcotic analgesic.
The accused was arrested and charged with the following:
– Operation While Impaired
He was later released with a future scheduled court date of April 28, 2025.
Later that day, at approximately 3:56 p.m., the Chatham-Kent Police Service responded to a theft complaint at Grand Avenue West, Chatham.
Officers were advised that a male suspect was in the basement hallway of the building where he allegedly attempted to steal various items.
When confronted by on-site security personnel, the suspect refused to cooperate and tried to flee the scene.
A brief physical altercation occurred during which the accused struck a complainant.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service arrived shortly after, identified the suspect as the same individual previously arrested during the day, and placed him under arrest.
He was transported to the Chatham-Kent Police Service headquarters where he is currently being held for bail.
The accused is now facing multiple additional charges which include the following:
– Theft Over $5,000
– Obstruct Public or Peace Officer
– Assault
