Officer Locates Suspicious Masks and Replica Pellet Handguns

On March 23, 2021, at approximately 2:10 PM, a member of the Sarnia Police Service COPPS Unit made an attempt to stop a motor vehicle eastbound on Wellington Street. The officer observed that the vehicle began to accelerate away from the cruiser even prior to the officer activating emergency lights. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle made an abrupt turn into the parking lot of a business where the driver stopped the car and attempted to run.

The suspect ran towards a building on the property where he was met by a locked door which allowed the officer to apprehend the suspect without incident.

After a search of the suspect and his car the officer located a number of hydromorphone pills with a street value of $700.00, break and enter tools, a folding knife, masks, and replica pellet guns.

The accused in this matter, Michael Coolman, 42 years of age, from Exeter, faces the following charges:

1) Flight from a peace officer

2) Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code

3) Carrying a concealed weapon

4) Failing to comply with a release order

5) Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (opioid)

6) Possession of break and enter instruments

Coolman was held for a bail hearing.

If anyone has any knowledge of these masks and replica handguns being used in other incidents they are please asked to call Constable Shawn Urban at 519-344-8861, extension 6163, or Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.