Sault Police have arrested and charged four people in relation to an incident that began on Monday on Edinburgh Street.
A news release issued today by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service reports that Berni Nadon, Andrew Petts, Ashley Biron, and Joshua Roess face a variety of drug and weapons charges after officers responded to the Edinburgh Street address.
Seized items include suspected crack cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine; Canadian currency; a loaded .45 calibre rifle, and a crossbow.
Full text of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service news release follows:
On Dec. 7, 2020, officers with Patrol Services arrested 42-year-old Berni Nadon and 29-year-old Andrew Petts, and on Dec. 8, 2020 officers arrested 35-year-old Ashley Biron and 27-year-old Joshua Roess in connection with an incident on Edinburgh Street.
On Dec. 7, 2020 at 12:40 p.m., police responded to a call of possible gun shots at a multi-unit residence in the 0-100 block of Edinburgh Street. The investigation determined the reports of gun shots were unsubstantiated, however it is believed a man pointed a firearm at a victim and damaged the door to their residence.
During the investigation, Ms. Nadon was arrested. A subsequent search of the area of arrest found her to be in possession of substances believed to be narcotics, including 14.57 grams of cocaine, 2.3 grams of crack cocaine, 7.1 grams of fentanyl and 0.5 grams of methamphetamine. She was also found to be in possession of $3,625 in Canadian currency. The estimated value of the narcotics is $5,287. She is charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime and two counts of breach of probation. She was held for bail court.
In addition Mr. Petts was arrested for breaching conditions of release. He is charged with breach of recognizance. He was held for bail court.
Officers continued the investigation on Dec. 8, 2020 and attended a residence in the 0-100 block of Edinburgh Street as there were reports of a firearm in the residence. Upon arrival officers called out to those in the residence and Ms. Biron and Mr. Roess exited without incident.
While clearing the residence, officers observed a rifle inside the residence. Officers learned Mr. Roess was wanted in relation to another incident and is believed to be the person who threatened the victim with a firearm on Dec. 7, 2020. Both of the accused were arrested.
On Dec. 9, 2020, officers executed a search warrant at the residence and located a loaded .45 calibre rifle and a small crossbow.
Ms. Biron is charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. She is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 25, 2021.
Mr. Roess is charged with:
• Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order x16
• Uttering threats
• Assault with a weapon
• Use of a firearm while committing an offence
• Careless use of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition x2
• Pointing a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted device
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
• Mischief under $5,000
• Breach of probation x2
He was held for bail court.