Sarnia Police Service officials allege: A police service dog played a key role in two arrests in Sarnia on New Year’s Day, with both incidents resulting in suspects surrendering without incident.
Sarnia Police Service said Police Service Dog Shadow and his handler were deployed twice within a one-hour period on Jan. 1, 2026, after two separate individuals attempted to flee from police.
At approximately 2:56 p.m., officers observed a male at the intersection of Davis and Mitton streets who was wanted in connection with an intimate partner violence investigation. Police said the individual fled on foot upon seeing officers and was believed to be hiding inside a dumpster. After learning that the police dog would enter the dumpster if necessary, the individual surrendered and was taken into custody. A 32-year-old Sarnia man was charged with criminal harassment, harassing communications, mischief under $5,000 and resisting a peace officer. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
About one hour later, officers observed another male on Talfourd Street who was known to have an outstanding arrest warrant. Police said the individual ran into the backyard of a residence and out of view. Police Service Dog Shadow was deployed and began tracking, quickly locating the individual concealed behind a pile of logs in a neighbouring yard. After becoming aware of the police dog’s presence, the individual surrendered and was arrested without incident. The 39-year-old man, who has no fixed address, was charged with theft under $5,000 and two counts of breaching a probation order. He was also held for a bail hearing.
Police said the two incidents demonstrate the value of a police service dog in frontline policing, noting that both suspects were located quickly, reducing the resources required and lowering the risk to officers.
