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Chatham

CK police briefs - Friday, March 10, 2023

Wallaceburg man accused of shooting high school kids with an airsoft gun

An 18-year-old Wallaceburg man is facing a handful of weapons charges after he allegedly shot an airsoft gun at a group of students in Chatham.

Chatham-Kent police said their investigation started when they were called to the area of Cecile Avenue in Chatham for a weapons investigation.

Officers said they learned the man was allegedly riding in a vehicle when he pointed an airsoft gun at a group of local high school students when they crossed the vehicle's path.

The man also allegedly shot the airsoft gun at the students, hitting one of them in the face and one of them in the arm, causing minor injuries.

Police were able to identify a suspect and spoke to him over the phone before he turned himself in.

The accused was charged with three counts of pointing a firearm, two counts of assault with a weapon, and one count of weapons dangerous.

He was later released with conditions and a future court date.

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Man accused of violently assaulting woman

A 33-year-old Chatham man is facing charges after he allegedly violently assaulted a woman he had been banned from communicating with.

Chatham-Kent police said they were called to an address on Park Street in Chatham just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday and learned that the man and the woman had allegedly been arguing when things took a violent turn.

Police said the man allegedly threw some food at the woman and then hit her in the face and stopper her from breathing by wrapping his arm around her neck.

Officers said the fight allegedly continued and moved from one apartment area to another before the woman was finally able to break free and call police.

Investigators said they also learned that the man had previously been released from the court with a condition that required him to stop communicating with the woman.

The accused was arrested, charged with assault, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and failing to comply with a court order.

He was taken back to police headquarters and was set to be held there pending a bail hearing.

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Violent wakeup call leads to arrest, assault charge

A 46-year-old Chatham man is facing charges after he allegedly woke up a woman he had been banned from communicating with and then hit her several times.

Police said they arrested him after they were called to Wedgewood Avenue in Chatham for a disturbance at around 4:30 a.m. Friday.

Officers said the man allegedly went into a room where the woman was sleeping and started yelling at her that he was going to hurt her.

The man then allegedly slapped the woman several times before taking off.

Police were called in and arrested the man, who had previously been released with conditions requiring him not to communicate with that specific woman and to stay away from her residence.

The accused was charged with two counts of failing to comply with his release conditions, one count of uttering threats, and one count of assault.

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Police issue warning about door-to-door construction companies

Chatham-Kent police are reminding you to do your homework when it comes to hiring someone for construction or handyman services.

Police said that reminder comes after they "received several fraud complaints about paving and other construction companies conducting door-to-door sales" who are entering into a contract and then not honouring it.

Officers also have some tips to keep in mind when someone comes door-to-door looking to do work on and around your home:

- Be wary of salespeople who use high-pressure tactics to try to get you to sign a contract or make a deposit right away. They may try to create a sense of urgency or tell you that the offer is only suitable for a limited time. Remember that you have the right to take your time and make an informed decision.

- Ensure the company has the necessary licenses, permits, and insurance to perform the work. Be bold and ask for proof of these credentials before signing a contract.

- Make sure you receive a written agreement that includes all the details of the work to be performed, including the scope of the work, materials to be used, timeline, and payment terms. Do not rely on verbal promises or handshake agreements.

- Ask the company for references from previous customers and follow up with them to get an idea of the company's quality of work and customer service.

- Be cautious of companies that offer significantly lower prices than their competitors. This may be a sign of substandard materials or workmanship or a scam.

- Be cautious of unsolicited offers for construction services, mainly if the salesperson shows up at your doorstep without an appointment.

(Photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent police) (Photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent police)

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