A man remanded into custody following a bail hearing on Jan. 14 is facing additional charges after an incident at the Sarnia Jail later that day.
Police say the 44-year-old, who has no fixed address, had been transferred to the jail at about 3:59 p.m. and was undergoing the intake process when he failed to comply with directions given by correctional officers. An altercation followed during which the man allegedly attempted to gain access to a property room, prompting officers to physically intervene.
During the struggle, police allege the man bit a correctional officer, causing an injury to the officer’s hand. The officer required medical treatment and was taken to Bluewater Health.
As a result of the incident, the man is now facing additional charges including assaulting a peace officer and two counts of failing to comply with probation. Police say a warrant has been issued and the accused will be brought before the courts when it is safe to do so.
In a statement, Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis said police and correctional officers face multiple hazards in the course of their duties, noting that injuries involving potential exposure to bodily fluids can be particularly concerning. Davis said such incidents may require officers to undergo additional testing or preventative treatment and can cause significant stress for them and their families, adding that police are grateful the officer’s injuries were not more severe and that appropriate medical care was provided.
