Sarnia police have charged three men after a seven-month investigation into a series of violent attacks, forcible confinement, and death threats against two victims. The Sarnia Police Service announced the charges on May 22, 2026, following a coordinated effort by multiple units.
Kevin PLAIN, 59, and Devon WHITNALL, 48, both of Sarnia, were arrested on May 22 without incident and are being held for bail hearings. An arrest warrant has been issued for Michael Derek WILLIAMS, 41, who remains at large.
The investigation began after two victims reported being assaulted and held against their will at a Russell Street home between October and November 2025. According to police, one of the men entered the victims’ bedroom, blocked them from leaving, and assaulted them. One victim was shot in the face with what investigators believe was a BB gun. Police say another man later attended the same residence armed with a knife, threatened the victims, stabbed the bed near them, threw a table at one person, and assaulted the other while making death threats.
Then, on January 11, 2026, two men showed up at a Devine Street residence, claiming they were there to apologize for the earlier assault. Instead, police say they prevented the victims from leaving and attacked them again, with one victim being struck in the head with a cup.
Police also uncovered Facebook Messenger messages sent in March and May 2026 that contained repeated death threats aimed at both victims.
PLAIN faces 14 charges, including two counts of assault, three counts of assault with a weapon, four counts of uttering death threats, two counts of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of forcible confinement, and one count of breaching a release order. WHITNALL is charged with two counts of assault and two counts of forcible confinement.
WILLIAMS, who is still being sought, faces 11 charges. Those include two counts of assault, two counts of forcible confinement, careless use of a firearm, pointing a firearm (two counts), causing bodily harm with intent — air gun or pistol, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of assault with a weapon, and breach of probation.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Michael Derek WILLIAMS is asked to call Sarnia police at 519-344-8861 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
