Six people have been arrested and charged with multiple offences after a "violent" home invasion in Chatham.
Chatham-Kent police say they were called to the home invasion shortly before midnight on August 10, but allege threats against the victims and witnesses continued as the investigation was underway.
Police allege a group of individuals "forcibly entered" the occupied residence after kicking in the front door, assaulted several occupants, and stole personal property.
According to police, a 16-year-old male from Chatham-Kent was allegedly threatened with a knife, while a 19-year-old Chatham male was assaulted, choked, and told he was going to be killed.
Following the home invasion, police say they learned that one of the accused allegedly contacted a victim through social media on Thursday and allegedly threatened to kill the victims and shoot at the residence after becoming aware that an investigation into the home invasion was underway and police were looking for the suspects.
Police note they arrested a suspect at a home in Chatham on Friday after deploying their Emergency Response Team because they discovered the suspect may have been armed.
A 22-year-old Chatham man is charged with break and enter, armed robbery, assault, wearing a disguise, assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats, and uttering death threats.
Another 22-year-old Chatham man is charged with break and enter, armed robbery, assault, wearing a disguise, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and two counts of failing to comply with bail conditions.
A 19-year-old Chatham woman is charged with break and enter, armed robbery, and assault.
Three youths have also been charged in connection with the home invasion, but can't be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
"The Chatham-Kent Police Service recognizes the significant impact that home invasions, threats, and witness intimidation can have on victims and the community. Police remain committed to holding offenders accountable and will continue to pursue those who engage in violence, retaliation, or attempts to interfere with criminal investigations," police said.
Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
