St. Thomas police say a routine response to a reported dog attack on July 7 uncovered suspected drug trafficking and weapons offences and resulted in charges against two local residents.
Incident, collision and investigation
Officers attended Sunset Drive near Wilson Avenue shortly after 6:30 p.m. on July 7 after calls that a dog was attacking two people. On arrival, investigators found a Dodge Caravan that had driven into the front of a business. Police say the two injured people had been bitten by the animal before entering the van in an effort to obtain medical attention.
“As a result of the dog attack ... the two individuals that sustained the injuries and were in the van involved in the collision with the front of the business were attempting to seek medical attention for their injuries,”
The St. Thomas Police Service later reviewed surveillance footage and discovered what officers believed to be illegal drugs inside the vehicle. A search warrant was obtained and executed at a subsequent stage of the probe.
Seizures and charges
Police say officers seized a quantity of suspected drugs along with offensive weapons and drug-related paraphernalia. The items recorded by investigators included methamphetamine, crack cocaine, a set of brass knuckles and a digital scale. The seized drugs have an estimated street value of $2,700.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Suspected methamphetamine | 32.3 grams |
| Suspected crack cocaine | 2.4 grams |
| Weapons and paraphernalia | Brass knuckles, digital scale |
As a result of the investigation, a 44‑year‑old St. Thomas man and a 39‑year‑old St. Thomas woman were charged. Both face counts of drug trafficking and weapons offences. The man also faces charges of assault with a weapon and uttering threats and remains in custody; the woman was released with a future court date.
Privacy and next steps
The police service has not publicly identified the accused, citing concerns that naming them could lead to identification of the victims in the assault inquiry. No further details on the victims’ injuries were released in the police notice.
- Police responded to reports of a dog attack that preceded a vehicle collision into a storefront.
- Surveillance review led to discovery of suspected drugs and a search warrant.
- Two local residents charged; accused identities withheld to protect victims.
The St. Thomas Police Service did not release information on whether animal-control or public‑health authorities were involved following the dog‑attack report. Court proceedings will determine how the trafficking, weapons and assault allegations are prosecuted.
