Sarnia police officers arrested a 39-year-old man on March 30, 2026, following a foot pursuit that ended in the suspect being taken into custody with a folding knife in his possession. The arrest occurred after an officer recognized the man, who was wanted on outstanding warrants, while he was riding a bicycle near the intersection of Durand Street and Blanche Avenue at approximately 7:50 PM.
According to the Sarnia Police Service, the suspect, Brandon Waters, resisted arrest and struck the officer during the initial encounter. Waters managed to slip out of his jacket and fled on foot toward James Street, during which time he was observed repeatedly reaching into his pants pocket. When the officer caught up to him, a Conducted Energy Weapon was deployed, but it was only partially effective. The officer then used empty-hand techniques to gain control. A search following the arrest revealed a folding knife in the pocket the suspect had been reaching for during the chase.
Waters was treated at the scene for minor injuries and abrasions, while the officer involved was uninjured. He is currently facing charges for resisting a police officer and two counts of breaching probation. Police noted that this incident marks their 15th interaction with Waters since July 2025, a period that includes eight arrests and 15 charges.
The Sarnia Police Service has been focusing on repeat offenders through community initiatives such as the Wanted Wednesday campaign and the recently launched Sarnia’s Most Wanted website. These programs have assisted the department in making over 50 arrests since they were introduced. Waters has a documented criminal history, including a 14-month jail sentence handed down in October 2025 for multiple offences, which included possession of a stolen vehicle and breaking and entering.
During a previous court appearance in 2024, Justice Paul Kowalyshyn criticized the defendant for deliberately lying to a justice officer regarding his bail address. Waters remains in police custody as the legal process continues.
