Sault man among three accused of disabling cameras, locks at apartment building

An undated exterior photo of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Division 2 building. (File photo/Sault Ste. Marie Police Service/Facebook)

A 31-year-old Sault Ste. Marie man faces multiple charges, including weapon offences and mischief, following incidents police say began earlier this month at a Wellington Street East apartment building.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service said the accused was taken into custody on March 20 and is facing charges of carrying a concealed weapon, possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose, mischief, careless use of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device and failing to comply with an appearance notice.

Alleged tampering at apartment building

Police said the investigation began on March 4 when 911 operators received a report about tampered security measures at a multi-unit residence in the 600 block of Wellington Street East.

“An investigation revealed the accused and two others – none of whom are lawful tenants of the building – tampered with security measures to gain entry into the building,” the police service said in a news release.

Police said investigators identified the accused on March 11 and a warrant was obtained for his arrest.

Arrested on separate call

At about 12:50 p.m. on March 20, 911 operators received a report of an unwanted person in the 100 block of McDougald Street and officers from the Division 2 Unit were dispatched to the scene.

“Upon arrival, officers located a person matching the description reported to police and identified them as the accused,” said police.

While at the scene, police said officers observed what appeared to be a pistol magazine sticking out of the accused’s pocket.

The man was taken into custody on the strength of the outstanding warrant.

Replica weapon seized

“A search of the accused located a BB gun – which was a replica of a real pistol – containing ammunition and a charged CO2 cartridge,” said police.

Police said the accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.