Sarnia Police Service officials allege: Two Sarnia men have been arrested following a lengthy police standoff connected to an alleged robbery and assault that took place on Aamjiwnaang First Nation in May.
The Sarnia Police Service began investigating after receiving a report on May 29 of a robbery in the 1100 block of Tashmoo Avenue. Police allege the victim had been summoned to a residence by acquaintances and was attacked upon arrival.
According to police, the victim was physically assaulted and struck in the face with a glass object, causing injury. During the incident, suspects allegedly attempted to steal the victim’s wallet. The victim was able to leave the scene and contact police.
As a result of the investigation, police obtained arrest warrants for two adult Sarnia men and a young offender, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The adult suspects face charges including assault causing bodily harm and attempted robbery. One of the men also faces charges of assault with a weapon, while the other is additionally charged with failing to comply with a probation order and disobeying a court order.
On June 4, shortly after 1 p.m., officers attended a residence on Tashmoo Avenue to arrest one of the wanted men. Police said the suspect was observed inside the home but refused to answer the door, prompting officers to contain the residence.
Due to the violent nature of the alleged offences, police called in the Emergency Response Team, along with an incident commander and negotiator. Officers also received information leading them to believe the second wanted man was inside the residence.
Police obtained a Feeney warrant authorizing entry into the home to arrest the suspects.
A standoff lasting several hours followed as efforts to negotiate a peaceful surrender were unsuccessful, police said.
After the warrant was granted, members of the Emergency Response Team entered the residence and located the two men hiding in a bedroom.
Both men were arrested and held for a bail hearing on June 5. Following the hearing, they were remanded into custody and are scheduled to return to court at a later date.
Police said the youth suspect remains at large.
