Thursday, July 8, 2004

POLICE RESPOND TO GUNSHOTS
Last night, shortly before midnight, city police responded to a residence in the City’s east end regarding a report of gunshots. Police and ambulance personnel located a 23-year old female in the residence. The victim was taken to the Sault Area Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A firearm was seized in the course of the investigation.

Officers from the Investigation Services Section are currently working on this matter. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, call the City Police at 949-6300 ext 360. No further details are available at this time pending the ongoing investigation.


FOLLOW-UP TO YESTERDAY’S STORY
Yesterdays new release-July 7th: A 13-year-old youth will appear in court on August 10 after City Police arrested the youth yesterday after responding to a break and enter call.

City Police were called to an address in the 500 block of Queen Street W and took a report of a break and enter from a homeowner who had returned home at noon to discover his house had been entered.

Thieves made off with a VCR, a Winchester 30.30 rifle serial number 4260365, a small amount of jewellery and cash. Police received information at the scene that lead to the arrest of the 13-year-old.

The youth has been charged with one count of break and enter and one count of breach of the release document. The property has not been recovered yet.

Update to this story:
Shortly after 9 pm last evening, city police arrested a second young person regarding the break and enter to a residence in the 500 block of Queen St W. A 12-year-old youth has been charged with one count of break and enter and will appear in court on August 10th.


ARRESTED AT CUSTOMS
Today, 29- year old Joel Pastorek of Petrolia Ontario will appear in bail court. Yesterday at approximately 3 pm, the accused was turned back from American Customs because of an outstanding arrest warrant for the accused for failing to appear in court.

The warrant stems from an incident in January of 1998 where the accused was arrested for allegedly stealing gasoline from a vehicle in the 200 block of Great Northern Road. It is alleged that Mr. Pastorek failed to attend court to answer to the charge of theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property under $5,000. Mr. Pastorek was arrested at Canada Customs and transported to the police station by City Police.


DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
A 33-year old male will appear in bail court today after city police responded to a domestic violence call in the City’s west end early last evening. It is alleged the male assaulted a female by pushing and shoving the victim against the side of the house during an argument. The male was charged with one count of assault.


BREAK & ENTER TIPS FROM POLICE
Yesterday City Police took 9 reports of break and enters. The break and enters were mainly to homes. Summer is a time when people are often away from their residences for extended periods.

If you are going to be away from your home take a number of steps to try and reduce the likelihood of thieves entering your home.

City police Sergeant Jane Martynuk suggests you have a neighbour or friend check on the house every day. Have them take in your mail. Ensure all your doors and windows are secured before you leave.

Place lights on timers, and use motion-activated lights in dark areas, such as around sheds or the back of garages. Encourage your neighbours to call the police if they see anyone suspicious around your home.

Have a record of the make, model and serial number of all your electronics. If police recover stolen property one of the quickest ways to match stolen property is through a serial number.

Rent a safety deposit box at the bank to store your jewellery in, or if you must keep in the house, find a secure well-hidden area. By taking steps like these above, you can reduce the chances of your home being burglarized.