Storm damage keeps local emergency crews busy
Chatham-Kent police said Wednesday night was "extremely busy" for their officers as powerful thunderstorms tore through the area, knocking down trees and hydro poles.
The local Emergency Communications Centre answered dozens of calls, resulting in 173 police-related events and 43 fire-related events.
Some of those calls included officers responding to areas where live wires were lying across the roadway.
“Last evening’s weather event was likely one of the busier times we have ever experienced in the Emergency Communication Centre," said Emergency Communications Centre manager Sheri Somerville. "The Communication staff on duty worked tirelessly to provide the best service delivery possible. We were overwhelmed with call volume and all calls were important and required attention. It was an amazing volume of work and we are very proud of the services they provided last night while this was unfolding."
Police said they would like to thank everyone for their patience Wednesday night, too.
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Pedestrian hit by vehicle in parking lot
A 73-year-old Chatham man suffered minor injuries after he was hit by a vehicle in a parking lot on St. Clair Street in Chatham Wednesday afternoon.
Police said the driver was a 65-year-old Chatham man.
No charges were laid because the collision took place on private property.
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Teen charged after daytime stunt driving incident in Chatham
An 18-year-old Chatham man will have to hitch a ride with someone else for the next week after he was allegedly caught going more than double the speed limit on McNaughton Avenue East in Chatham.
Police said the man was recorded driving 102 kilometres per hour in a posted 50 km/h zone at around 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
The accused was charged with stunt driving and his license and his vehicle were both taken away for seven days as a result of the investigation.
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Wallaceburg man arrested for sending unwanted emails
A 35-year-old Wallaceburg man is charged with criminal harassment after allegedly ignoring a police warning about contacting his ex-girlfriend.
Police said the man had been warned by officers, but they learned on Wednesday that he was continually sending his ex emails.
As a result, the accused was arrested, charged and released pending a future court date.
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Black Mercedes recovered in London
Chatham-Kent police are still investigating after a black 2012 Mercedes that was stolen from a residence on Turquoise Court earlier this week turned up in London.
Police said it was taken sometime either late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning and was found in London Wednesday night.
It had Ontario license plates CKKY 883.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Trevor Biskey at trevorb@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 extension #87311.
Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Police are also reminding the public to ensure that your vehicles are locked and that the keys are secured in a separate location, noting that "leaving your keys skillfully hidden in your unlocked vehicle is a great idea – for thieves."
