Chatham-Kent police responded to a report of ongoing unwanted and harassing communications at a Chatham residence around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, and say a man has been charged in connection with the investigation.
Police: harassment probe leads to charges
According to a brief statement from Chatham-Kent police, officers were called to the home after the occupants reported persistent, unwelcome communications. A 46-year-old man from Ridgetown has been charged with criminal harassment and harassing communications.
The man was released by police with conditions pending court proceedings. The police release did not provide further details about the nature of the communications, specific conditions imposed or the date of any scheduled court appearance.
Local context and what residents should know
Harassing communications and criminal harassment are offences that can involve repeated unwanted contact by phone, text, social media or other means. Police in Chatham-Kent routinely advise residents who believe they are being targeted to preserve evidence, note dates and times of contacts and report the behaviour to police so it can be investigated.
In this case, the initial 911 referral came from the resident who reported the unwanted contacts, prompting a timely response from officers. The decision to release the accused with conditions is typical in many cases while charges proceed through the justice system.
Related recent Chatham-Kent police actions
The police bulletin that included the Chatham harassment file also summarised a string of other local incidents:
- A Blenheim address drew officers at about 8 a.m. Tuesday after a pot was thrown at a man, who was also struck in the face and threatened; a 36-year-old Chatham-Kent woman was charged with assault with a weapon, assault and uttering threats to cause death and was held for bail.
- Earlier in the week, around 4 a.m. Thursday, a Blenheim resident suffered minor injuries after a clash with a woman; a 28-year-old Blenheim woman was charged with assault and released with conditions, with a court date of Sept. 23.
| Incident | Location | Reported time | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harassing communications | Chatham | ~8:20 p.m. Wednesday | 46-year-old Ridgetown man charged; released with conditions |
| Assault, threats | Blenheim | ~8 a.m. Tuesday | 36-year-old Chatham-Kent woman charged; held for bail |
| Assault (minor injuries) | Blenheim | ~4 a.m. Thursday | 28-year-old Blenheim woman charged; released with conditions |
"Officers were called to a Chatham home around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday about ongoing unwanted and harassing communications," police said in their bulletin.
Chatham residents with concerns about harassment or stalking are encouraged to contact Chatham-Kent police to report incidents and to seek advice on collecting evidence and protecting themselves. As this matter proceeds through the courts, further public updates may be limited by privacy and procedural constraints.
Locally, the case underscores the cross‑community nature of such investigations: while the alleged perpetrator is from Ridgetown, the alleged victim and the investigation are centred in Chatham, reflecting how disputes and alleged offences often travel across municipal boundaries in the region.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor the file and report any additional information released by Chatham-Kent police or the courts.
