Multiple Sturgeon Falls Break Ins

During the last week the West Nipissing Police Service has received a number of Break and enters complaints from residents in the Sturgeon Falls area.

On February 22nd, police responded to an alarm of a break-in at a local gas bar. Officers responded immediately and upon doing so observed the culprit running from the business. Police searched the area and took one man into custody. The man was found to be in possession of a large amount of cash including rolls of coins. The 36-year-old Sturgeon Falls man faces charges of break and enter and theft under $5000.

A 41-year-old man faces a charge of assault after police responded to a complaint of a domestic disturbance on February 22nd. Police responded to a Market Street residence and learned that the couple had been arguing over some marital issues and it is alleged that the man became upset and stuck the woman on the head with his fist several times.

On February 23rd police were alerted to a possible break and enter at a Michaud Street residence. Police investigated the complaint and discovered that culprits entered a residence while the homeowner was away. The perpetrators were seen removing merchandise which included electronic devices and power tools. An investigation into the matter was undertaken and police were successful in retrieving some of the stolen items. Two men were taken into custody in relation to the break-in. A 45-year-old Sturgeon Falls man now faces charges of break and enter theft under $5000 and breach of probation. Police are actively searching for third man believed to be involved.

Residents in the Main Street, King Street and Janen Street area reported their homes being entered and being victims of theft.

On February 26th police responded to a break and enter in progress. Upon attending the residence police learned that the occupants were sleeping but were woken by noise in the home. The culprit was startled by the homeowner and fled the house. Police investigation led them to a nearby residence where they observed a man exiting a window and running away. Police gave chase at which time they recovered some property which had been discarded. The investigation continued and police were able to recover merchandise from the reported break-in and from one that had yet to be reported. Officers contacted a Janen Street resident and confirmed that the recovered property was, in fact, his and that his home had been entered while he and his spouse were sleeping. Police recovered televisions, power tools and electronic devices including cellular telephones. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

The West Nipissing Police Service are investigating a complaint of sexting. The investigation involves the distribution of an intimate picture of teenage child. Police have learned that at least one image was taken and shared and was then distributed without the affected parties consent. This matter is being investigated as distribution of child pornography and the investigation is ongoing.

On February 28th police were about to conduct a vehicle stop in Sturgeon Falls when they observed a man exit the vehicle and run away. The man was identified and police discovered that he had conditions to be at his residence. The man was arrested for the offence and when he was searched police discovered the man to be in possession of various controlled substances including, marijuana, Hydromorphone pills, Fentanyl pills and other prescription medication. The 28-year-old Sturgeon Falls man now faces charges of breach of probation and possession of controlled substances. Police later discovered that one of the other occupants of the vehicle was wanted; a 30-year-old Sturgeon Falls man was arrested and held in custody in relation to an outstanding warrant.

The West Nipissing Police would like to advise the public of recent changes to the municipal parking by-law. The amendments to the by-law include infractions related to vehicles being parked in emergency parking routes and parking in designated handicapped spaces. A number of private properties are now included in the by-law and enforcement can be taken by the police and the local by-law enforcement officer. A complete list of properties can be obtained on the municipality’s website.

Anyone with information about these occurrences is asked to contact the West Nipissing Police Service at 705-753-1234. For those who wish to remain anonymous, there are three ways to contact the Near North Crime Stoppers. Call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), text the word “Nipper” plus the tip information to CRIMES (274637), or submit a tip online at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.