Foot Pursuit Leads to Arrest

On Thursday, January 21, 2021, at approximately 8:30 AM, officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of Savoy Street regarding a male attempting to break into a home.

Allegedly, the suspect had entered through a door to the front porch (which was enclosed) and was attempting to open the main door to the residence when confronted by an occupant.

The occupant then told the suspect that they were calling the police which prompted him to flee the area.

Sarnia Police officers immediately flooded the area and an officer was able to locate a male that matched the description. The officer observed the suspect entering a backyard and immediately gave pursuit on foot. The foot pursuit continued through several backyards and over fences but the officer was able to locate the suspect hiding behind a shed in the area. As the officer attempted to arrest the suspect a brief struggle ensued but fortunately no one was injured during the arrest.

A search of the suspect located a quantity of fentanyl, property belonging to another individual that had been allegedly stolen, and articles such as a hatchet, a folding knife, and a rock hammer.

The accused, Joshua William Vanderwal, 30 years of age, of Sarnia, was charged with the following:

1) Break and enter

2) Possession a Schedule I Substance (fentanyl)

3) Possession of property obtained by crime

4) Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

5) Resist a peace officer

6) Carrying a concealed weapon

Vanderwal was held for a bail hearing and later released by the courts with a first appearance scheduled for 9:30 AM on March 3, 2021, at the Sarnia Lambton Court House.