Man steals firearm, K9 unit assists in tracking, suspect flees from cops prior to arrest: Sault Police

Sault Police Canine Unit welcomes newest member Ben is the fourth member of the Canine Unit and is nearly ready for his first day on the job. Mike McDonald reports.

A 27-year-old man faces 22 criminal charges after a firearm, ammo and other items were stolen from a vehicle parked in downtown Sault Ste. Marie last week.

Detectives with Sault Ste. Marie Police Service with the assistance of the canine unit began investigating the theft on Wednesday. The initial incident occurred in the 300-block of Bay Street.

Red - Sault Police Dog Sault police dog Red, a fox red Labrador retriever, was adopted from a southern Ontario farm and graduated from a 12-week training course at the Ontario Provincial Police Academy Canine Training Centre in Orillia in 2023. Red is pictured here with one of his handlers. (File photo/Supplied/Sault Ste. Marie Police Service)

On Aug. 8, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the 0-100 block of Cathcart Street, where, according to a news release, the ammunition and other items that had been stolen from the vehicle were located.

“The accused was located inside the residence and attempted to run from police,” said Sault police.

“They were arrested a short distance from the residence.”

Police officials said the stolen firearm was located outside.

“The accused had dropped it while they were attempting to run away,” said police.

As a result of the investigation, the accused has been charged with:

The 27-year-old was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

None of the allegations has been proven in court.