City police have charged a 31-year-old Sarnia man after he allegedly decided to take matters into his own hands to dismantle a small encampment instead of waiting for officers to respond.
The Sarnia Police Service was contacted just after 10 p.m. Thursday, May 9, by an individual who wanted an encampment, reportedly erected by two individuals, removed from behind a business between Confederation Street and Michener Road.
Police said the man expressed concerns about potential vandalism to his own nearby property.
City police said they were contacted by the man a second time, about 45 minutes later.
"...he again contacted police with concerns about delayed response, and that he would be taking matters into his own hands," read a media release.
It's alleged the man armed himself with a machine gun style airsoft gun, and began shooting pellets in the direction of the encampment.
Police said no one was hit or injured.
When officers arrived at 11:15 p.m., the man allegedly entered a truck and started driving erratically — squealing tires and flashing lights at police — before parking, entering his business and refusing to come out.
Police said they secured the perimeter and the man eventually surrendered to police and was arrested just before 1 a.m. Friday.
The man was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, criminal harassment, and driving under suspension.
He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on June 11.
