Intimate partner violence incident sparks hour-long standoff in Sarnia

Two firearms seized by police following an incident of intimate partner violence and a standoff with police in Sarnia, Ont. on April 18, 2026. (Source: Sarnia Police Service)

A Sarnia man is facing multiple firearms charges following an hour-long standoff on Saturday evening in what police are describing as an act of intimate partner violence.

According to a news release, at 5:05 p.m. on Saturday, officers were called to the Five Corners area on Mitton Street South for an intimate partner violence investigation.

Sarnia police say it was reported that a man inside the home was causing a disturbance while in possession of a firearm.

The caller was able to leave the residence, and as officers secured the area, a shelter‑in‑place advisory was issued to nearby homes.

The Sarnia Police Service Emergency Response Team (ERT), Crisis Negotiator Team (CNT), Canine Unit and Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene.

Sarnia police say negotiators established communication with the suspect, who confirmed he had a real firearm. After approximately one hour of negotiations, the CNT and ERT successfully negotiated the suspect’s safe arrest.

The shelter‑in‑place advisory was lifted.

There were no injuries.

A search warrant was later executed at the residence, resulting in a firearms seizure.

A Sarnia man was held for bail and is facing the following charges:

• Uttering threats
• Possession of a dangerous weapon (two counts)
• Careless storage (four counts)
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts)
• Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition (two counts)
• Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts)

Sarnia police say because the incident was the result of an intimate partner violence investigation, the accused’s name is being withheld to protect the identity of the victim.