NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE MARIE POLICE SERVICE
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On May 19, 2017, officers with the Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Services Division and Canine Units of the Sault Ste Marie Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police arrested 26-year-old Trent Agawa of Chapleau, Ont. and 40-year-old Michael Paquin of Hudson Street, in relation to a stolen vehicle.
It is alleged that on May 19, 2017 the accused, Mr. Agawa, stole a black Dodge Dakota from Echo Bay, Ont. The vehicle was driven to Sault Ste. Marie and parked in a parking lot on Albert St. West.
Officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police were in the area on an unrelated matter and observed both of the accused persons exit the stolen vehicle.
Officers approached both accused persons and Mr. Paquin was taken into custody. When officers attempted to arrest Mr. Agawa, he attempted to flee the scene on foot.
Officers with the canine unit of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police were able to quickly apprehend the accused and take him into custody.
When he was placed in custody, officers developed grounds to believe that Mr. Agawa was impaired by alcohol while he was operating the motor vehicle. As a result, officers demanded that he provide a sample of his breath into an approved instrument.
The accused refused to provide a breath sample and became aggressive with officers. The accused kicked at officers and spat on them multiple times.
It was determined that Mr. Agawa was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court and that he was bound by a recognizance with a condition that he not be outside of his residence having consumed alcohol.
Mr. Agawa was charged with:
- One count of impaired operation of a motor vehicle,
- One count of failure to provide a breath sample,
- One count of assault police,
- One count of possession of property obtained by crime,
- One count of theft over $5,000,
- One count of breach of recognizance and;
- One count of failure to appear in court
He was held for bail court. Mr. Paquin was taken into custody and charged with one count of possession of property obtained by crime. He will appear in court on June 26, 2017.
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