Break-in suspect arrested on rooftop

A Windsor man is in custody facing charges after police arrested him on a rooftop following a break-in call on Sunday afternoon.

Patrol officers were alerted around 3:30 p.m. that someone had unlawfully entered a vacant residence in the 1000 block of Pelissier Street.

A window of the home had been covered with a piece of plywood. A citizen noticed a backpack-wearing male remove the plywood and climb inside.

Police arrived and surrounded the residence.

Officers could see fresh damage to the window, and realized that the suspect was still inside.

However, as the officers continued to investigate, they saw the suspect on the rooftop of a residence immediately to the south of the first address.

Police went to the neighbouring residence and spoke with the homeowner, who was unaware anyone was on the roof. They went to the second floor, where the officers attempted to communicate with the suspect and convince him to return indoors.

The suspect refused and dangerously ran to the other side of the roof.

The officers became concerned about the suspect’s safety. One officer went onto the roof while the other remained at a window and continued talking to the suspect.

Police said the suspect appeared to be disoriented and losing consciousness. The officers grabbed him and held him until a Windsor fire truck arrived with a tower ladder.

With the help of the equipment, police and firefighters were able to safely move the suspect to the ground.

A search revealed the male was carrying break-in tools, including a crowbar, as well as a single round of ammunition.

Once the male was identified, it was found he was under two probation orders not to possess ammunition.

Kenneth Ross, 27, of Windsor, has been charged with being in a dwelling unlawfully, possessing break-and-enter tools, and two counts of breaching probation.

Police described the incident as “another great example of alert citizens working with police in keeping neighbourhoods safe.”

Anyone who observes suspicious people or activity is encouraged to call police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4350.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.