Early yesterday morning at approximately 2:00 am, the accused a 35 year old Wheatley man got into a verbal argument with his former common law spouse at a residence in Wheatley. This argument escalated into a physical altercation where it is alleged that he grabbed the victim by the arm and throat and pinned her against the wall pressing on her throat. She eventually escaped and contacted police. She did not sustain any injuries as a result of this incident.
Police investigated and obtained information that the accused was in possession of a firearm. A warrant was obtained to enter his dwelling for the purpose of his arrest. Given the propensity for violence and reasons to believe there is a firearm inside the residence, members of the Chatham-Kent Police Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) responded to the call.
Subsequently, the accused was arrested without incident and a rifle was seized at the scene. The accused is being charged with 16 various Criminal Code offences ranging from Assault, Assault with a Weapon, Threats, Choking and Mischief. He has been held in custody pending a bail hearing.