Monday, January 12, 2009

Possible Tainted Halloween Candy Investigation Concluded

Earlier Release from the 1st of November, 2008

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is conducting an investigation into possible tainted Halloween candy. On November 1, 2008 a parent who tried some of her child’s candy complained of a severe burning sensation to her mouth and throat which resulted in some bleeding in her mouth. The candy also caused severe foaming in the mouth and watering eyes.
The individual did not require treatment at the hospital.
The candies are described as “rocket candies” which were wrapped in a clear plastic wrapper that can be easily opened and closed. The package contains multiple round candies.
These candies were collected on Halloween in the Broadview Avenue Area.
Police are urging all parents to check their children’s candies before they eat them.

Investigation Services with the Sault Ste Marie Police Service concluded their investigation into this complaint on the 5th of January 2009.

The candy had been sent to the Center of Forensic Science in Sault Ste. Marie on the 5th of November 2008 for analysis. The results of the analysis results were forwarded to the Sault Ste Marie Police Service on the 5th of January, 2009. The results revealed that no other material other than sugar was identified.

At this time, there is no further evidence to suggest that the rocket candy was tainted.

Two Males Arrested during Vehicle Stop on McNabb Street:

City police stopped a vehicle on McNabb Street around 11 pm on the 9th of January with two male occupants inside. During the stop, officers located a small amount of cocaine and a carving knife inside the vehicle. Police conducting the investigation, also determined that one of the males was wanted for the Rexall Pharmacy robbery from the 1st of January. As a result, the two males were arrested and charged with the following offences:

31 year-old Rejean Gionet of #108-652 Macdonald Avenue was charged with one count of robbery, one count of possession of a weapon dangerous to public and one count of possession of a controlled drug or substance.
21 year-old Gordon Metatawabin of #1-143 Gore Street was charged with one count of possession of a weapon dangerous to public, one count of possession of a controlled drug or substance and three counts of breach of probation as at the time of the incident the accused was on a probation order to keep the peace and be of good behaviour and to abstain from the possession of drugs and alcohol.

Assault with a Weapon

29 year-old Julie Shaw of #2-166 Gore Street was arrested on the 10th of January at 11:25 pm at a downtown residence and charged with one count of assault with a weapon and one count of breach of probation. It is alleged that the accused attended at the residence of a female known to her, got into a verbal argument with her and threw a beer bottle at her. The victim received non life-threatening injuries as a result. At the time of the offence the accused was on probation to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

Impaired Driver Arrested:

33 year-old Heidi Debassige of #3-260 Wellington Street West was arrested on the 10th of January at 4:04 pm on Manilla Terrace and charged with one count of impaired driving and one count of consume over the legal limit. It is alleged that on the 10th of January just after 3 pm city police received a call regarding a blue GMC Suburban that was driving around the downtown area in an erratic manner without licence plates. Officers located the vehicle on Manilla Terrace a short time later and stopped it. The driver, the accused, was found to be under the influence of alcohol. She is to appear in court on the 23rd of February.

Four Shoplifter Arrested

1) 50 year-old Russell Barton of #1-142 Albert Street East was arrested on the 9th of January at 5:32 pm on Second Line West and charged with one count of robbery, one count of possession of property obtained by crime and one count of breach of a release document. It is alleged that on the 9th of January at approximately 5:15 pm the accused attended at the Hart Department Store in the Market Mall on Second Line West and stole three sets of sheets. The accused pushed and grabbed at the Store Staff when they attempted to apprehend him. No injuries were reported. The staff were able to hold him until police arrived. He is to appear in court on the 23rd of February.

2) 32 year-old Benjamin Spanish of #308-41 Old Garden River Road was arrested on the 9th of January at 6:40 pm at his residence and charged with one count of theft under $5,000.00, one count of possession of property obtained by crime, one count of obstruct peace officer and one count of breach of probation. It is alleged that that on the 9th of January just after 6 pm the accused attended at Sears in the Station Mall and stole shoes and clothing. At the time of his arrest the accused falsely identified himself to police. At the time of the incident the accused was on probation with conditions to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. He is to appear in court on the 2nd of February.

3) 77 year-old Duilia Giallonardo of 580 John Street was arrested on the 10th of January at 3:30 pm at the Station Mall and charged with one count of theft under $5,000.00 and one count of possession of property obtained by crime. It is alleged that on the 10th of January around 2:40 pm the accused attended at Kelly’s Grocery in the Station Mall and stole some groceries. She was apprehend by Mall security and held for police. She is to appear in court on the 9th of February.

4) 47 yer-old Michelle Casey of #102-20 Albion Street was arrested on the 9th of January at 2:10 pm at Rome’s Independent Grocers and charged with one count of theft under $5,000.00. It is alleged that on the 9th of January around 1:20 pm the accused attended at the store and stole $130.00 worth of groceries. The accused was arrested by store staff and held for police. She is to appear in court on the 9th of February.

Break and Enters:

• A residence on Beverley Street was entered overnight on the 10th of January. Medication was reported stolen.
• An apartment on Queen Street East was entered on the 9th of January. A Nintendo Game Cube System and three games were reported stolen.
• A residence on James Street was entered sometime during the day on the 9th of January. XBOX games, DVD’S, cigarettes and money were reported stolen.

Thefts:

Several Vehicles were entered over the weekend in the areas of Elizabeth Street, Curran Drive, Brien Avenue, Wellington Street East, Leo Avenue and Caddy Avenue. Items reported stolen included, binoculars, money, CD’S, a manual, ownership and insurance card.

Mischief Reports:

• A vehicle parked on Laird Street was keyed in the parking lot of Elgin Street and March Street on the 11th of January.
• The fence around the Superior View Golf Course on Gagnon Road was damaged.
• A front picture window of a residence on Wellington Street East was smashed.