A teenager is facing additional charges in what Sarnia police are calling a series of "quite concerning" incidents, some of which involved the theft of women's underwear.
The 16-year-old was initially arrested in early September in connection to two break-in investigations on Poplar Avenue and Raybourne Avenue.
Since then, Sarnia police said forensic evidence has linked the young person to new offences reported in the city's central area, which are listed below, along with the two previous break-ins.
Police said in July, the teen allegedly grabbed a female's buttocks and pulled on her arm while she was entering her home. The suspect fled the area and later returned but was scared off by the victim's car alarm.
In August, the teen allegedly broke into a residence at night and stole 20 pairs of women’s underwear. Police said the suspect broke into the same home in September and stole more women's underwear.
The young person is also accused of trying to break into an apartment unit through a window, but was scared away when the female occupant woke up.
At a separate residence in August, the teen allegedly removed the screen and opened a basement window but left after the homeowner's dogs began barking.
Lastly, the teen is accused of stealing packages of beer from the Petro Canada Store at Indian Road and Exmouth Street in both May and August.
The 16-year-old is now charged with seven counts of break and enter, sexual assault, and two counts of theft under $5,000. Their identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
“Our (Sarnia Police Service) team of investigators and forensics examiners have done exceptional work in linking these offences together," said SPS Chief Derek Davis in a media release. "The pattern of behaviour that has emerged as a result of these efforts is quite concerning. We are relieved that an offender has been identified and is now before the courts.”
Following a bail hearing, the youth was released by the courts with conditions.
