911 hangup call leads to domestic violence charges
Chatham-Kent police are issuing a reminder to anyone who is in danger that even if you hang up after calling 911, officers will still try to get in contact with you.
Police said while officers were following up on a 911 hang-up call early Wednesday morning, they attended an apartment in Chatham and learned that a woman there had just been assaulted by her common-law husband with a coat hanger and a broomstick.
Officers said local dispatchers who took the call at around 3:30 a.m. were able to pinpoint the location that it came from.
As a result of the investigation, a 32-year-old Chatham man was arrested and charged with assault and two counts of assault with a weapon. He was taken into custody pending a bail hearing.
Chatham-Kent police are also using this example to remind the public that when someone tries to call for help, but can't stay on the line, officers will still work to follow up on the call.
"When our Emergency Communication Operators receive notice of any call that enters the 911 network in our area and no one answers, they call back to check on the person who made the call. In this case, there was no answer," said Emergency Communications Centre Manager Sheri Somerville. "The operator became concerned when they weren’t able to speak with someone directly. This prompted a police response to check on the caller’s well-being. In this case, someone was located in need of assistance. We would like to remind everyone that even if you can’t talk or if you dial and the line is disconnected; we will do what we can to try to find you."
--------------------
Impaired driving charge follows crash
A 25-year-old Chatham woman accused of drunk driving was arrested after a single-vehicle crash on Bloomfield Road Tuesday night.
Police said they were called to the scene at around 7:30 p.m., adding that through their investigation, they suspected that the woman had been driving while under the influence of alcohol.
So, an officer administered a roadside test, which the woman failed.
The accused was taken back to police headquarters for further testing and charged with having a blood-alcohol concentration over the legal limit. She was later released with a future court date.
--------------------
Throwing axe, throwing knives stolen during break-in
Chatham-Kent police are asking for the public to toss them some tips as they investigate a theft from an unlocked garage on Oxley Drive in Chatham.
Police said sometime late Monday or early Tuesday morning, someone broke into the garage and took off with the following items:
- 12” throwing axe with KR2 engraved on it
- Throwing knives with round handles and red tape on them
- TV projector box
- Android TV box
- Propane heater
- Bose SoundLink Bluetooth speaker
- 20v DeWalt Impact driver
- Keys and cigarettes
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Scott Nevills at scottn@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 extension #87326.
Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
--------------------
Locked garage broken into
Chatham-Kent police are investigating a second break-in at a garage in Chatham, this time on St. Clair Street.
Officers said someone forced their way into the locked garage sometime between Sunday and Tuesday, causing an estimated $200 in damage.
An antique cash register and radio were taken along with some tools. The total value of the stolen goods was estimated at $2,000.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Jessica Butler at jessicab@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 extension #87333. You can also submit a tip to Crime Stoppers.
--------------------
Two arrests on warrants
Chatham-Kent police can cross two more names off of their wanted list.
A 37-year-old Chatham man who was wanted for uttering threats and failing to comply with his release conditions was arrested Tuesday morning. Police said they found him hiding in a residence in Chatham.
In a separate investigation, police arrested a 35-year-old Chatham woman who was wanted in connection with a couple of shoplifting incidents. She was also wanted for three counts of failing to attend court.
Both of the accused were taken into custody pending bail hearings.