Wednesday, October 26, 2005

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Services is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 3 male persons wanted for a number of serious offences with acts of violence.

The wanted persons are as follows:

1) 27-year old Darcy Samuel LEBEL is wanted for 2 counts of theft under $5,000, 3 counts of break and enter, 2 counts of robbery, 3 counts of assault with a weapon, 8 counts of threatening to cause death or bodily harm and one count of forcible confinement. Mr. Lebel has no fixed address and is described as being 175 cm tall, 100 kg, has blonde hair and hazel eyes. (see attached photo)

2) 23-year old Joss VUOTILAINEN is wanted for one count of break and enter, one count of robbery one count of forcible confinement and one count of assault with a weapon. He has no fixed address and is described as being 180 cm, 95 kg, has blonde hair and blue eyes. (see attached photo)

3) 21-year old Andre Henry LAINE is wanted for two counts of break and enter, one count of assault with a weapon, one count of theft under $5,000, one count of robbery and one count of forcible confinement. He has no fixed address and is described as being 180 cm, 73 kg, has black hair and blonde eyes. (see attached photo)

It is alleged that on October 21st wanted person Lebel attended at an address in the 400 block of Albert St East and spoke to a male resident of that address. The male victim went outside with the suspect and was assaulted by Lebel. Further to the assault it is alleged that the suspect stole a backpack and it’s belongings from the victim.

It is alleged that on October 22nd that wanted person Lebel attended at an address in the 100 block of Woodward Avenue and entered the home uninvited. Once inside the residence it is alleged that the suspect then took a kitchen knife to the male victim’s throat and threatened to kill him. It is further alleged that the suspect assaulted a second male victim by punching and kicking him as well as taking the victim’s wallet and some jewellery. In addition it is also alleged that Lebel threatened to kill several other persons in the residence.

It is alleged that on October 24th wanted persons Lebel and Laine attended at a residence in the 400 block of Albert Street East where they assaulted and threatened a male victim with a baseball bat and also stole a television set and a DVD player. A third unidentified male was with these 2 suspects.

It is alleged that on October 24th wanted persons Lebel, Laine and Vuotilainen attended at an address in the 100 block of Biggings Avenue and assaulted and threatened a female victim with a baseball bat. It is further alleged that Lebel and Vuotilainen assaulted the victim by placing her finger in a vice and applying force. All three suspects left the residence with an undisclosed amount of money, an X-box game system and stereo equipment.

The wanted persons and the victims were known to each other.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind the public to not approach these males, as they are considered violent. If you know their whereabouts contact the City Police immediately at 949-6300. If you wish to provide information but remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 942-7867 or 1-800-222-TIPS.

Drug Bust

Last evening the Joint Forces Drug Unit, which consists of officers from the Sault Ste Marie Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Drug Enforcement Section, OPP North East Region and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police executed a search warrant at a home in the 100 block of Hughes Street. Officers arrested one male in the residence and located approximately 7 grams of marihuana on his person, which has a street value of approximately $140. 30-year old Jason Alexander of 370 John Street has been charged with one count of possession of a controlled drug or substance and will appear in court on November 28th.

Theft from Sears

A 16-year old youth was arrested last evening and charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and one count of breach of probation. It is alleged that the youth left Sears without paying for $78 worth of clothing. The youth was apprehended by store security and turned over to City Police. The youth will appear in court on November 29th.

Oxycontin Stolen From Home

A home in the 100 block of Brookfield Avenue was broken into yesterday between 12 noon and 5 pm. Thieves stole 2 prescription bottles of oxycontin.

Halloween Reminders & Safety Tips

Halloween is fast approaching and will be here next week. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to share some safety tips with the public. Officers from Community Services have been doing presentations to elementary schools, but the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind parents to go over the safety tips again with their children.
1) Wear a costume that makes it easy for you to walk, see and be seen in.
2) If you are out after dark, make sure your costume is light in color or reflective.
3) Carry a flashlight so you can see and be seen easily.
4) Consider using make up instead of wearing a mask.
5) Don’t trick or treat alone. Have an older sibling or friend go trick or treating with you. If possible, go out in groups.
6) Plan your trick or treat route with your parents. Left them know which route you will be taking. Try and plan to stay on streets that are well lit.
7) Go to houses on the same side of the street and when completed go to the other side of the street. Avoid crisscrossing the road.
8) Cross only at corners or crosswalks; never cross between parked cars or in the middle of the block.
9) Use the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, then walk facing traffic.
10) Never enter the home or apartment of someone you don’t know.
11) Wait until you get home to sort, check and eat your treats.
Tips for Parents and Homeowners
1) Store bought ones for trick-or-treaters are easier for parents to check. If you decide to make homemade treats for those you know, drop the treat off earlier in the day.
2) Please check all of your children’s treats before they eat them. Throw away any treats that have been opened or are in torn wrappers.
3) Suspicions of tampered candy should be reported to the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service at 949-6300.
4) Keep your lights on so that people will know it is okay to attend at your home.
5) Keep your pets inside and away from the door on Halloween night.
For Motorists:
1) If you must be out remember to slow down.
2) Please drive cautiously and be on the lookout for children.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like everyone to have a safe and happy Halloween. Remember, if you see any suspicious activity report it to the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service at 949-6300 or 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.