Chatham-Kent Police Service officials allege: Chatham-Kent police have laid numerous charges against three adults, along with three young offenders, following a violent home invasion that led to further threats against victims and witnesses before ending in the arrest of a wanted suspect.
Police responded to a reported home invasion at a Chatham residence shortly before midnight on Aug. 10. Investigators determined a group of people forced their way into the occupied home after kicking in the front door. Once inside, several occupants were assaulted and personal property was stolen.
During the incident, a 16-year-old Chatham-Kent male was allegedly threatened with a knife, while a 19-year-old Chatham man was allegedly assaulted, choked and threatened with death.
Investigators with the General Investigations Unit and Major Crime Team gathered witness statements and reviewed surveillance footage, leading to the identification of those involved. Charges were laid against multiple adults and youths connected to the incident, and police began working to locate and arrest those responsible.
Police say one of the accused later contacted a victim through social media on Aug. 13, allegedly threatening to kill the victims and shoot at the residence after learning police were investigating the home invasion and seeking his arrest.
The following day, officers located the wanted man at a Chatham residence. Because of information suggesting he may have been armed, additional resources, including the Chatham-Kent Police Service Emergency Response Team, were called in to safely take him into custody. Police say the man attempted to flee but was arrested without incident.
A 22-year-old Chatham man is charged with break and enter a dwelling house to commit an indictable offence, armed robbery, assault, disguise with intent, assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats and uttering threats to cause death.
A second 22-year-old Chatham man is charged with break and enter a dwelling house to commit an indictable offence, armed robbery, assault, disguise with intent, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.
A 19-year-old Chatham woman is charged with break and enter a dwelling house to commit an indictable offence and armed robbery, both as a party to the offence, as well as assault as a party to the offence.
Three additional young offenders have also been charged in connection with the home invasion. Their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Chatham-Kent police say they recognize the significant impact home invasions, threats and witness intimidation can have on victims and the community, and remain committed to holding offenders accountable.
Anyone with information related to the incidents is asked to contact Chatham-Kent police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
