Chatham

CK police briefs - Thursday, May 9, 2019

Homeowner catches thief after a suspected break-and-enter

One man has been arrested and another suspect is on the loose after a Chatham homeowner returned home from work to find two people in his backyard with some of his personal belongings.

Chatham-Kent police said it happened shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday at a home on Van Allen Avenue in Chatham. The homeowner was able to detain one of the men while the other jumped the fence and fled the scene on foot, police said.

A 33-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested and charged with break and enter. He has been held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The investigation is ongoing as police continue to look for the man who ran away.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Brad Molnar at 519-436-6600 ext. 86444. Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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Alleged cemetery vandal arrested again

A 36-year-old man who was arrested earlier this year in connection with some vandalism and thefts at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Chatham is facing more charges now.

Chatham-Kent police said Jonathan Stass was arrested again on Wednesday in connection with another investigation into some vases and plaques that had been removed from gravesites and the Mausoleum at Maple Leaf Cemetery in March.

Police said Wednesday's arrest was made after officers learned some copper and brass vent covers from the Mausoleum, along with a brass flower vase, and candle holder from a gravesite had been sold to a local recycling company.

Stass was charged with two counts of being in possession of property obtained by crime and later released pending a future court date of May 13, 2019.

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Police investigating suspicious fire at railway utility shed

Chatham-Kent police are looking for leads and tips from the public in connection with a suspicious structure fire on Park Street on Tuesday night.

The blaze occurred around 9:30 p.m. at the CN Rail utility shed. Police are estimating around $10,000 in damages, but no injuries were reported.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable John Hicks at 519-436-6600 ext. 207. Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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Police arrest alleged shoplifter at Chatham thrift store

A 32-year-old man of no fixed address is charged with theft in connection with an alleged shoplifting incident at the Value Village in Chatham.

Chatham-Kent police said they got the call at around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, adding that through their investigation, officers learned from employees that someone in the store was concealing some items on his person.

Police said when they arrested a suspect in connection with the case and searched him, they allegedly found some methamphetamine on him. The man also allegedly had a stolen wallet in his pants and was wearing a belt and a sweater that he hadn't paid for.

The accused was charged with theft, failing to comply, and drug possession and was taken into custody pending a bail hearing.

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