DNA evidence helps in decade-old robbery and assault

Windsor police headquarters in Windsor, Ont., on Monday, March 20, 2023. (Melanie Borrelli/CTV News Windsor)

The Windsor Police Service has charged a suspect in a decade-old robbery and assault thanks to DNA evidence.

Members of the Windsor Police Major Crimes Unit arrested a 40-year-old man in connection to a home invasion that occurred on Aug. 19, 2013.

Police say two suspects forced their way into a residence in the 1000 block of California Ave., where they forcibly confined, assaulted, and threatened a male occupant with a gun and a knife. The suspects then allegedly stole cash, a cellular phone, and marijuana before fleeing the scene.

One suspect was arrested and charged within days of the incident, but the identity of the second suspect remained a mystery until now. Thanks to advancements in forensic technology, investigators were able to leverage DNA evidence retrieved at the scene to identify a second suspect and bring closure to the victim.

The 40-year-old was arrested yesterday in the 1400 block of Victoria Ave. He has been charged with the following:

• Break and enter

• Robbery

• Assault with a weapon

• Assault causing bodily harm

• Forcible confinement

• Uttering death threats

• Pointing a firearm

• Possession of a firearm

Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830. They can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.

If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call Victim Services Windsor Essex County at 519-723-2711 or the Victim Assistance Unit at Windsor Police at 519-255-6700, ext. 4879.