Huron County OPP are crediting a quick thinking witness after the arrest of two men in connection with five break and enters in a Bluewater neighbourhood.

Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday a witness called police to report seeing an unfamiliar vehicle driving around the Highlands II subdivision and then hearing an audible alarm and loud banging noises coming from a neighbour's home.

Police soon arrived and commenced a search for the suspects and suspect vehicle. Officers were able to track one of the suspects to a nearby beach where he was arrested without incident.

A few minutes later, a Lambton County OPP officer assisting in the search for the second suspect attempted to stop a GMC Jimmy on Turnbull’s Grove Road.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and led police on a chase, but officers were able to successfully stop the fleeing vehicle on Corbett Line at Mount Carmel Road.

The SUV was confirmed stolen from a residence south of the Highlands subdivision and following a search the suspect was found to be in possession of throwing knives - a prohibited weapon.

The driver of the stolen vehicle, 29-year-old Jason Sylvestre of Windsor has been charged with:

  • theft of motor vehicle
  • flight from peace officer
  • dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
  • carrying a concealed weapon
  • possession of break-in tools
  • five counts of break, enter dwelling and commit indictable offence

The second suspect, 49-year-old Warren Brothers from London has been charged with:

  • five counts of break, enter dwelling and commit indictable offence
  • possession of break-in tools
  • possession of property obtained by crime

Both accused were held in custody and have video court appearances in Goderich scheduled for Friday.