Sarnia Police Service officials allege: A 16-year-old youth has been charged in connection with a string of break and enters and a sexual assault following an extensive investigation by the Sarnia Police Service (SPS).
Police say the teen was first identified and arrested in early September after officers released images of a suspect involved in multiple residential break-ins and requested help from the public. Once the youth was identified, the images were removed and the individual’s name was withheld in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Since that initial arrest, the SPS Criminal Investigation Division continued its work, using additional investigative steps and forensic evidence gathered by the SPS Forensic Identification Branch to link the youth to further offences.
The 16-year-old, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, now faces several new charges including seven counts of break and enter, one count of sexual assault, and two counts of theft under $5,000.
The charges relate to multiple incidents that took place between May and September 2025 in central Sarnia. Police say these included several nighttime break-ins at residences, attempts to enter apartment units, and thefts from a local convenience store.
“Our SPS team of investigators and forensics examiners have done exceptional work in linking these offences together. The pattern of behaviour that has emerged as a result of these efforts is quite concerning. We are relieved that an offender has been identified and is now before the courts,” said Chief Derek Davis of the Sarnia Police Service.
Following a bail hearing, the youth was released by the courts with conditions.
