Four people face a number of weapons and drug charges following a high-risk arrest incident that took place on East Street Friday afternoon.
A news release issued today by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service states that at approximately 1 p.m., "officers observed Jeff LeClair, who was wanted in connection with another incident involving a firearm, in the 0-100 block of East Street. Officers confirmed it was Jeff LeClair and conducted a high-risk arrest. While executing the arrest, Jeff LeClair retreated to the rear of the vehicle then ran from police. A chase ensued and the accused was arrested."
Marc Jardine, Rebecca Sangestino and Ashley Swanson were also arrested in relation to this incident.
A search of the area resulted in the seizure of a handgun, ammunition, and a variety of suspected drugs including oxycodone, cocaine, psilocybin, and methamphetamine, the release states.
Full text of the news release follows:
On May 28, 2021, officers with the Crime Suppression Unit, Drug Enforcement Unit, Emergency Services Unit and Patrol Services arrested 44-year-old Marc Jardine, 28-year-old Jeff LeClair, 31-year-old Rebecca Sangestino and 32-year-old Ashley Swanson in the 0-100 block of East Street.
Around 1 p.m., officers observed Jeff LeClair, who was wanted in connection with another incident involving a firearm, in the 0-100 block of East Street. Officers confirmed it was Jeff LeClair and conducted a high-risk arrest. While executing the arrest, Jeff LeClair retreated to the rear of the vehicle then ran from police. A chase ensued and the accused was arrested.
During a search of the area, officers located a loaded 357 Magnum handgun, ammunition, 104 tablets of a substance believed to be oxycodone, 12.65 grams of a substance believe to be cocaine, 6.28 grams of a substance believed to be psilocybin, 3.71 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine, one tablet of a substance believed to be buprenorphine, digital scales, packaging material and approximately $2,000 in Canadian currency. The estimated value of the narcotics seized is approximately $2,500.
Marc Jardine is charged with unauthorized possession of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on July 5, 2021.
Jeff LeClair is charged with:
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm x2
• Careless storage of a firearm x4
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose x2
• Possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized x2
• Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm x2
• Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order x24
• Occupant of motor vehicle, knowing there was a prohibited or restricted weapon
• Careless use of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
• Pointing a firearm
• Discharged firearm with intent
• Uttering threats
• Assault with a weapon
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking x2
• Possession of a controlled substance x3
• Driving while prohibited
• Breach of probation x2
He was held for bail.
Rebecca Sangestino is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. She was held for bail court.
Ashley Swanson is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance and breach of recognizance. She was held for bail court.