An alleged shoplifter is facing additional charges stemming from an incident while in police custody.
Sarnia police responded to a grocery store in the area of Exmouth Street and Indian Road at around 1 p.m. Wednesday for reports of a male shoplifter.
Police arrived to see a loss prevention officer following a suspect out of the store while attempting to place him under arrest.
Responding police officers recognized the suspect, who police said was bound by multiple conditions, and placed him in custody.
During a search of the suspect, police recovered the stolen items.
It's alleged that ,while in police custody at Sarnia Police Headquarters, the 28-year-old man defecated in his cell, soaked his clothing in the contaminated toilet water, and began throwing the water, feces, and vomit throughout the cell onto the exterior hallway floor, contaminating the cellblock area and affecting other prisoners’ wellbeing.
The suspect faces an additional charge of mischief under $5,000 and failure to comply with probation.
He was released following a bail hearing.
“Sharing the unpleasant and uncomfortable circumstances of this incident is intended to highlight the real challenges officers can encounter with prisoner custody," said SPS Chief Derek Davis. "The offending individual needs to be carefully removed, contaminants cleaned up, and the area sanitized before being serviceable again. Health and safety – for our officers and others lodged in the cell blocks, remains a priority for the SPS.”
