False weapons calls bring police to C-K high school

Chatham-kent police are warning against “swatting” after responding to false weapons calls at a Chatham high school twice this week.

Officers called to John Mcgregor Secondary School on Monday and Wednesday quickly determined the calls were false, with no credible threat present, police said.

Investigation led to the identification of two female youths, who were referred to a youth officer for participation in a diversion program, police said.

In a release, police and Lambton Kent District School Board warned against swatting, or falsely reporting serious crimes to generate a response by emergency services.

“Swatting incidents disrupt the normal functioning of emergency services and divert crucial resources away from genuine emergencies,” police said.

POLICE CHARGE MAN AFTER CLASH OVER PHONE

A man faces charges after a man and woman clashed in Chatham Monday, Chatham-kent police say.

Officers called to a Lacroix Street address learned the argument escalated when the man took the woman's phone and tried to block her from leaving, police said. The man fled before police arrived.

Officers found and arrested a suspect about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, police said.

A Chatham man, 36, is charged with assault and forcible confinement, police said. He was held pending a bail hearing.

OFFICERS ARREST MAN DURING TRAFFIC STOP

A man got more than a speeding ticket after a traffic stop in Chatham Wednesday night, Chatham-kent police said.

An officer pulled over a suspected speeder on Grand Avenue West at about 9 p.m., police said. An investigation revealed the driver was prohibited from driving and bound by a probation order.

A suspect was arrested, police said.

A Tilbury man, 38, is charged with failing to comply with a probation order, driving while prohibited and two counts of driving while suspended, police said. He was released with conditions and an April 22 court date.

The vehicle was impounded for 45 days, police said.