Sarnia Police Service patch on an officer's uniform. April 2023. (Photo by Melanie Irwin)Sarnia Police Service patch on an officer's uniform. April 2023. (Photo by Melanie Irwin)
Sarnia

Suspended Sarnia police officer now facing firearm charges

A suspended Sarnia police officer was arrested on firearm charges on Friday.

In a media release, the Sarnia Police Service said Sean Van Vlymen, 47, was taken into custody as a result of further investigation into a dispute on August 30.

Van Vymen was arrested September 1, and charged with assault, criminal harassment, animal cruelty, and mischief.

The two people involved in the dispute were known to each other, but further details were withheld to protect the victim's identity.

Police said on September 20, Van Vlymen was charged with uttering threats and 12 counts of being in possession of an unauthorized firearm.

Following his bail hearing, Van Vlymen was released from custody with conditions, pending his next court date.

The Sarnia Police Service said at this time, Van Vlymen remains suspended with pay.

In July 2023, Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) charged Van Vlymen with one count of assault causing bodily harm following an incident in 2022 where one person suffered a serious injury during an arrest.

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