On March 5, 2022, at 2:25 a.m., the Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service were investigating a theft in progress behind Denning's Funeral Home located at 32 Metcalfe Street in the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc.
Officers on duty were able to locate the suspect vehicle involved a short time later parked in a parking lot on Hull Road with two occupants inside.
The vehicle involved was confirmed stolen. Police approached the vehicle and the occupants attempted to flee and were arrested by Police. During a search of the stolen truck incident to their arrests, police located:
- 28 grams of a Schedule I substance (crystal Methamphetamine carrying street value of $2,800)
- 16 tabs of a Schedule III substance (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide "LSD" valued at $160)
- Numerous Break-In Instruments including, bolt cutters, a slim jim, screw drivers, gas siphoning hose, headlamp, flashlight and pliers
- A prohibited weapon (switchblade knife)
- A PFM16 BB Air Pistol
- 2 stolen cheques.
Police also located an unloaded shotgun in the area surrounding the truck which was also found to be in the possession of the two suspects involved.
As a result of this investigation, a 30 year old male from Sarnia and a 33 year old female from Thorndale have been charged with the following charges:
- CC 91(1) Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- CC 91(2) Unauthorized Possession of Weapon
- CC 86(1) Careless Use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or Ammunition
- CDSA 4(1) Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine
- CDSA 4(1) Possession of a Schedule III Substance
- CC 354(1)(a) Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 - in Canada
- CC 94 Occupant of Motor Vehicle knowing there was Firearm
- CC 351(1) Possession Break In Instruments
- CC 334(b) Theft Under $5000
- CC 430(4) Mischief Under $ 5,000
- CC 354(1)(a) Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada
The 30 year old male accused also faces the additional charges of:
- CC 117.01(1) Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order X 2
- CC 86(1) Careless Use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited device or Ammunition
- CC 92(1) Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
- CC 733.1(1) Fail to Comply with Probation Order
Both accused parties were held for bail hearing and remanded into custody for their next court date of March 8, 2022.