Three people wanted for attempted murder after a shooting in Chatham have been arrested, but police continue searching for two more suspects. *
Chatham-Kent police reported on Friday that 19-year-old Rylie Dejonge-Vandusen of London was arrested and charged with three counts of attempt murder. Dejonge-Vandusen was held in custody pending a bail hearing and eventually remanded with a court date in early February.
A 17-year-old male from Cambridge was also arrested on Friday and charged with three counts of attempt murder. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing and has been remanded with a court date in early February.
Elsewhere, 18-year-old Brianna Gardiner of Cambridge was arrested on Wednesday and also charged with three counts of attempt murder. Gardiner was held in custody pending a bail hearing and released with a February court date.
"Through investigation, multiple suspects were identified," police said in a release on Saturday. "Through the power of social media and with the public’s assistance, three of five suspects have now been taken into custody. "
Police continue to search for a 17-year-old suspect along with 19-year-old Terry St. Hill.
The suspects are wanted in connection with the shooting of two people on Harvey Street in Chatham on Tuesday. The victims were sent to the hospital to get treatment for non-life threatening injuries. A dog was also shot and killed. Through investigation, police learned that a third person was also shot at but not wounded.
Police don't believe the shooting was random, but rather that the victims were targeted.
Police said they were granted judicial authorization to release the names of two 17-year-old suspects, despite the fact they are under the age of 18.
* However, on February 2, the judicial authorization expired and police asked for the name and picture of the wanted 17-year-old suspect to be removed.
Both the 17-year-old and St. Hill are wanted for three counts of attempt murder.
Police are warning the public that the two wanted suspects are considered armed and dangerous and not to approach them. Investigators also believe they may have ties to other communities outside of Chatham-Kent.
Call 911 immediately if you know where they are. Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Cole Abbott at colea@chatham-kent.ca or 519-380-6024. Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Chatham-Kent police are thanking the public for their help in this case.
"We are committed to public safety which requires everyone to work together. Our goal is to hold those responsible, accountable for their actions, as this kind of violence will not be tolerated here in our community," police said.