Man accused of robbing fisherman, stealing plant
Chatham-Kent police reeled in a pretty good catch this week.
Officers said they arrested a 31-year-old man on Semenyn Avenue Tuesday morning who is accused of stealing a backpack full of fishing gear from a teen who was fishing in the Thames River under the Fifth Street Bridge in Chatham on Monday.
Police said the teen told them that an unknown man had allegedly approached him while staring at his camouflage backpack and then assaulted him and stole it.
The teen reportedly chased the man down as he took off on a bicycle, but lost sight of him in downtown Chatham.
Officers found a man on Semenyn Avenue Tuesday morning who was carrying the stolen backpack and who fit the description of the suspect.
At that time, police also found a Hibiscus tree in the man's possession and further investigation showed that it had been stolen from Sarah's Farm Market on Sandys Street earlier that same morning.
As a result, the man was arrested and charged with robbery, theft, and possession of property obtained by crime. He was taken into custody pending a bail hearing.
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Vehicle fire in Wallaceburg
Chatham-Kent police are appealing to the public for tips after a vehicle went up in flames at a residence on Murray Street in Wallaceburg.
Police said they were called to the scene at around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, adding that the fire also ignited a nearby shed.
The damages were estimated at $12,000 and no injuries were reported.
Anyone with information should contact Constable Grant Renders at grantr@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 mailbox #7351. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.
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Police arrest alleged shoplifter
A 30-year-old man is facing charges after he allegedly stole various items from the Dollarama on St. Clair Street in Chatham and then took off on his bicycle.
Police said they arrested the man after they were called to the store Tuesday night for a shoplifting complaint.
Officers said they found the man a short distance away, adding that he still had the stolen items in his possession.
The accused was charged with theft, possession of stolen property, and failing to comply with his release conditions because he was banned from attending that specific store.
He was later released with a future court date.
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Wanted man turns himself in
A 42-year-old Chatham man who was wanted in connection with a domestic-related incident has turned himself in.
Police said that was at police headquarters Tuesday morning.
The man was charged with failing to comply with his release conditions because he allegedly contacted a woman he wasn't supposed to communicate with.
He was taken into custody pending a bail hearing and is now set to remain in custody until June 24, 2021.