News from Sault: Security guards spat on and attacked – in two incidents on the same day

Security guards at businesses in Sault Ste. Marie have had a rough week, with incidents including threats, physical assault and spitting.

In the first case, a 29-year-old man was charged following an incident on June 6 at a shop on Great Northern Road.

Sault Police responded around 12:20 p.m. to a report that someone had attacked two security guards at the store.

“Officers responded and an investigation revealed that the defendant verbally threatened and physically assaulted two security officers,” a police press release said.

“They also lit a cigarette and smoked in a building, despite there being signs prohibiting smoking. The security guards suffered minor physical injuries.”

The charges include assault on police officers, bodily harm, threats and damage to property. When arrested by the police, the suspect reacted aggressively and lunged at the officers with his fist raised.

“The officers gained physical control over the defendants and they were arrested.”

The suspects are each charged with two counts of assault on a police officer and assault causing bodily harm, as well as one count of menacing and mischief. They were remanded in custody ahead of a bail hearing.

On the same day, a 37-year-old man attacked security guards at a store on Bay Street after they caught him taking items.

At 3 p.m. the police were called

“Investigations revealed that the defendants had stolen items from a store and spat at security guards who approached them to retrieve the stolen items,” police said.

“The defendants were already in the custody of security officials and were arrested.”

The defendant was charged with assault but was released with a court date of August 12.