Downspout ignited, man arrested
Alert witnessed not only put out a fire outside a Chatham business Thursday evening, they also let the police know who was responsible.
Police got the call about 7 p.m. for a report of an arson attempt at a St. Clair Street business.
Someone jammed flammable items into a downspout at the rear of the business, police say, and set them on fire.
After he flicked his Bic, police say the suspect walked away.
Witnesses extinguished the fire, but not before there was some damage to the structure.
Based on the investigation, officers formed reasonable grounds to arrest the accused, police say.
A short while later, police received another call regarding a man matching the suspect’s description. This time, police say the suspect was observed damaging a telecommunications box at the intersection of Lacroix Street and Grand Avenue West.
Through the use of CCTV footage, it was verified that the mischief was conducted by the man matching the description from the previous incident, police say.
As a result, officers located the man and made the arrest
A 29-year-old man of no fixed address is charged with arson with disregard for human life; and mischief.
Weapons charges
A Blenheim man is up on charges after a confrontation with another man last weekend.
Police say the dispute took place on Saturday afternoon on Highland Drive in Chatham. One man showed a firearm before fleeing in a vehicle.
Officers formed grounds to make an arrest, but he was nowhere to be seen.
However, on Thursday morning, shortly before 5 a.m., a man showed up to police headquarters to answer to the charges
A 44-year-old Blenheim man is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, assault with a weapon and using a firearm while committing an offence.
Collision leads to impaired charge
An evening crash in Wheatley has resulted in charges against one of the drivers.
The two-vehicle collision took place shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday on Erie Street North.
During the investigation, police say officers formed grounds that one of the involved drivers was impaired by alcohol.
Investigation also revealed that the diver of the second vehicle, a 57-year-old Wheatley woman, needed additional medical attention and was transported to the hospital.
A Leamington man, 39, is charged with impaired driving.
They ran, but…
Two youths are in hot water following an overnight break-in at a Chatham business.
Police were called shortly after 12:30 a.m. Friday over a report of a break-in at a business on St. Clair Street. Witnesses saw two youths break the front window of the store and enter the building.
Several officers arrived within minutes and arrested the youths after a brief foot chase, police say.
Both were charged with break and enter commit theft, and possession of stolen property.
