Sarnia Police Service officials allege: A viral surveillance video played a key role in identifying a suspect in a downtown Sarnia mischief investigation, police say.
On Jan. 9, the Sarnia Police Service released video of an individual allegedly keying a vehicle at the corner of Lochiel and Christina streets and asked for the public’s help. The footage quickly spread online, generating more than 125,000 views across social media platforms.
Police say the wide reach of the video prompted multiple tips from the public, which ultimately led to the suspect being identified. Officers later made contact with the individual, who agreed to attend police headquarters voluntarily.
On Jan. 11 at 11:46 a.m., a 31-year-old man of Front Street was arrested and charged with mischief under $5,000. He was released shortly afterward on a police undertaking without incident.
Police credited the high number of video views and public response for helping move the investigation forward quickly.
