The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has charged a Sault man after one victim was struck with a shovel, and others were sprayed with pepper spray.
Police say the shovel assault took place on Sunday around 3 a.m., and the accused was charged with assault with a weapon and released on an undertaking. That same day around 11:29 a.m., police report the accused attempted to rob two people and sprayed them with pepper spray. He was arrested and held for bail court.
The full text of the release reads as follows:
On May 23, 2021 officers with Patrol Services charged 40-year-old Denis Blais with assault with a weapon and on May 24, 2021 he was charged with robbery.
It’s alleged on May 23, 2021 around 3:00 a.m. the accused got into an argument with a victim and struck them twice with a shovel. Officers attended and he was arrested. He was charged with assault with a weapon. He was released on an undertaking with a court date of June 28, 2021.
It’s alleged on May 23, 2021 around 11:29 a.m. the accused approached two people in the 100 block of Gore Street, demanded property from them, and when they refused he sprayed both with pepper spray. At this time it is further alleged the accused struck the victims. The victims were able to leave the area. The accused followed them and sprayed them with pepper spray again then left the area. Officers attended and the investigation lead them to request a warrant for his arrest.
On May 24, 2021 officers observed the accused walking on Cathcart Street and he was arrested on the strength of the warrant. He is charged with robbery, administering a noxious substance and breach of recognizance. He was held for bail court.