Traffic stop leads to stolen property, drugs, and search warrant on Cobden Street

In January 2025, the Sarnia Police Service commenced an investigation into thefts from vehicles. Police analyized information from various sources to identify/locate the person(s) responsible for the thefts and where stolen property was being sold and/or traded.

The investigation ultimately identified several persons responsible for theft and trafficking stolen property within the City of Sarnia.

On February 25^th 2025, police observed a stolen Kubota skid steer at Cobden Street residence as it was being loaded onto a trailer.  A short time later, police conducted a traffic stop on a U-haul truck that was towing the trailer with the skid steer.  When the vehicle stopped, one male fled on foot but was quickly tracked and arrested several blocks by SPS K9 Vader.  Two others who remained with the U-haul were arrested for possession of stolen property.  Police recovered the skid steer valued at approximately $75,000 which was stolen on February 22^nd 2025, from a local construction site. Police also seized 13.9 grams of methamphetamine, $2400 CDN currency and digital scales from the vehicle.

A few hours later, the Sarnia Police Service Intelligence Unit executed a criminal code search warrant at a residence on Cobden Street, with the assistance of the Emergency Response Team, Canine and Identification Unit, Major Case Action Team and Uniform Patrol officers. Upon execution of the warrant, police located and seized a large cache of property that is believed to have been stolen from Sarnia residents and local businesses. 

Kayla GIBBS (33-years-old) of Pontiac Crt. Sarnia was arrested and held for bail charged with: 

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000
• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Fail to comply with a release order

Kenneth FREE (70-years-old) of Cameron St. in Sarnia was arrested and held for bail charged with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000
• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking.

Tyler FINCH (55-years-old) of No Fixed Address was arrested and held for bail charged with:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000
• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Fail to comply with a release order.

Police have also obtained an arrest warrant for Christopher WILLIAMS (42-year-old) for the following offences; 

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime for the Purpose of Trafficking.

This investigation is ongoing and police anticipate further arrests and charges to be forthcoming. Police are also analyzing the seized property and attempting to identify the lawful owners.

Anyone with information related to this incident, or other criminal activity, is encouraged to contact the Sarnia Police at 510-344-8861 or if they wish to remain anonymous, through Sarnia-Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.  

General Information on Bail Hearings

“Held for bail” means the police did not release an accused person back into the community.  However, police are not allowed to hold a person in custody for longer than 24 hours.  If the police believe a person should (or can't) be released, police are required to send them to bail court where a bail hearing is held. There, the presiding judge or Justice of the Peace (not the police) will decide whether the person should be released into the community or not.

“Released on bail” means the police held them in custody, but a subsequent release decision by the courts was made.

“Remanded” into custody means the accused was not granted release by the courts.

The bail system provides a framework to oversee and put limits on police custody. It is governed by legislation including the Criminal Code of Canada.