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Petrolia man charged in bird killings at Sarnia park

February 2, 2025

A Petrolia man is facing charges after birds being fed at Centennial Park in Sarnia were struck and killed.

Around 2:30 pm Saturday, police were called to the waterfront Park on Front Street. People had been feeding the ducks and geese when a dark-coloured truck entered the parking lot. It sat in the corner for a few minutes before revving its engine and driving directly through the flock of birds, striking and killing two ducks and a goose instantly. One other animal died later after animal control officers were called to the scene.

The truck left the scene going east on London Road.

That same afternoon, police were called to the Indian Road and Exmouth Streets after getting calls the vehicle involved in the incident was in the area.

Police went to the area, and officers “made numerous observations” according to police that led them to believe the man had been driving while impaired.

The man refused a breath sample as required by law.

Brandon Norton, 31, has been charged with refusing to comply with a breath demand. His vehicle was seized for seven days and his license was suspended for three months.

He’s also been charged with four counts of cruelty to animals.

He was released from police custody with some conditions to appear in court at a later date.

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