Foot pursuit leads to drug trafficking arrest

On February 26 at 4:50pm, an alert patrol officer observed a suspicious group of four individuals behind a commercial property in the area of Exmouth Street and East Street in the City of Sarnia. The officer recognized one individual and knew there to be warrants for her arrest on multiple charges.  The officer turned his cruiser around and drove back to investigate. 

Upon entering into the parking lot, the other three parties had appeared to be dispersing from the area.  The officer viewed the known female now running north at her best speed.  She was carrying a purse and a fabric type bag.  The officer immediately exited his cruiser to give chase on foot.  While running the female discarded her bags in an attempt to evade police, however the officer was able to catch up and place her under arrest.  The female was combative and physically resistant with police, but was taken into custody without significant incident. 

Police retrieved the bags the suspect has attempted to discard.  A search revealed ID in her name, along with 64 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine and drug trafficking paraphernalia (e.g. scale, packaging).  Also located in the bag was a single round of handgun ammunition, although no firearm was located.  

Laura CHESNEY, 33 years of no fixed address, was held for bail on the following charges:

• Resist police officer
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (methamphetamine)
• Failure to comply with release order
• Breach of probation   

Following her bail hearing, CHESNEY was remanded into custody (held) by the court.