Londoner faces charges after wild Chatham home invasion, struggle and gunshot

Chatham-Kent police have arrested a London man following a home invasion that resulted in a struggle between the accused and a witness.

Article content A London man faces robbery, drug and weapons charges after a wild Saturday night home invasion in which a witness struggled with and detained a suspect who pulled a gun, which went off, Chatham-Kent police say. Officers responding to a reported home invasion at a Taylor Avenue address in Chatham about 9 p.m. learned two suspects entered the residence and demanded property from the occupant before fleeing, police said. Recommended Videos “The incident escalated into a disturbance involving multiple individuals in the surrounding area when a witness observed a male suspect discard suspected controlled substances while attempting to leave the area,” police said in a release.

“Concerned for public safety, the witness intervened and restrained the suspect until police arrived. “While being restrained, the suspect allegedly produced a handgun, which discharged during the struggle,” police said. “The witness was able to gain control of the firearm and maintain custody of the suspect until officers arrived and took him into custody.

No injuries were reported.” Members of the Chatham-Kent police intelligence unit with a warrant searched a residence at a residence connected to the investigation, police said. Investigators seized 43 grams of suspected cocaine, 31.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine and prescription medication with an estimated value of $6,000, digital scales, packaging materials and a debt list.

A London man, 25, is charged with robbery with a firearm, disguise with intent, separate counts of possessing cocaine and methamphetamine for trafficking, assault with a weapon, recklessly discharging a firearm, possessing a firearm without authorization, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carelessly carrying a firearm and obstructing a peace officer, police said. He was held pending a bail hearing. Investigators continue to review surveillance footage and other evidence in an effort to identify a second suspect believed involved in the home invasion.

“The incident appears to be isolated; the occupant of the residence was not harmed and there is no ongoing risk to public safety,” police said. Police also urged the public to “exercise caution” when witnessing criminal activity. “While we recognize and appreciate the desire of community members to assist, situations involving suspected offenders can escalate rapidly and unpredictably, particularly when weapons may be involved,” police said.

“Members of the public are encouraged to be good witnesses rather than placing themselves at risk. If you observe a crime in progress, contact police immediately, maintain a safe distance, and provide responding officers with as much information as possible, including descriptions of individuals, vehicles and direction of travel,” police added. “Personal safety should always remain the priority, as attempting to physically intervene can result in serious injury or death.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact police at 519-352-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.