The chilling message from Sarnia’s police chief was direct and unwavering: turn yourself in. Kyaw (Chin) Doe, 24, of London, is wanted in connection with a shooting that shattered a Friday night at the Lion’s Den pub, leaving a 20-year-old hockey player dead and two others wounded. Chief Derek Davis painted a stark picture – a life on the run, constantly looking over your shoulder, knowing a tactical team could descend at any moment.
The tragedy unfolded just after 1:00 a.m. at the Lambton College pub. Dane Nisbet, a young man with a promising future, was fatally shot. Two of his former teammates from the Mooretown Flags Jr. C team were also struck by gunfire. The scene, once filled with the energy of a typical college night, was instantly transformed into one of chaos and heartbreak.
Three individuals are now in custody, but the search for Doe remains critical. Oudom (Richard) Bun, 23, also of London, was arrested and faces the same serious charges as Doe: second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. Ava-Leigh Lightheart, 19, and Johnathan Osborne-Walsh, 19, both of Sarnia, were apprehended and charged with accessory after the fact to murder, deepening the web of this investigation.
The night before the shooting was a whirlwind of escalating tension. Doe, Bun, Lightheart, and a Sarnia woman traveled between establishments, culminating in a confrontation at Chuck’s Roadhouse. A broken window, a flashed handgun – a clear signal of impending trouble. Ironically, Nisbet and his friends were present at Chuck’s that night, but were not involved in the initial altercation.
The group then moved on to Two Amigos before arriving at the Lion’s Den, where a pattern of aggressive behavior continued. Witnesses described a man actively seeking conflict, creating an atmosphere ripe for violence. Words were exchanged, a confrontation brewed, and a crowd moved onto the patio, anticipating a fistfight. What followed was far more devastating.
A Glock 45 handgun, equipped with an extended magazine, was drawn and fired, shattering the night and forever altering the lives of those present. Police have not disclosed the total number of shots fired, but the impact was immediate and catastrophic. The group, including Doe, Bun, and Lightheart, fled the scene in Bun’s vehicle.
The aftermath saw a desperate attempt to distance themselves from the crime. The Sarnia woman was dropped off near Highway 402, while Doe was taken to his home in London. Lightheart, entrusted with the firearm, later handed it off to another individual. Police swiftly recovered the weapon from a motel room in Point Edward, confident it was the one used in the shooting.
Investigators believe the handgun was illegally smuggled from the United States, a chilling reminder of the ease with which weapons can cross borders. Tracing the gun’s origins is now a priority, involving collaboration with agencies in both Canada and the U.S.
The search for Doe is intensifying, with law enforcement agencies across Ontario assisting in the hunt. Despite the challenges, investigators are optimistic about his capture, citing his distinctive facial and neck tattoos as a key identifying feature. The possibility of connections to organized crime remains under investigation.
Searches were conducted at two London residences, one where Bun was arrested and another at Doe’s apartment. Neighbors expressed shock, describing Bun as a “good guy” and highlighting the complex’s history of violence. These searches represent a crucial step in piecing together the events leading up to the shooting.
Police are protecting the privacy of the two injured men, revealing only that they are 19 and 20 years old and close friends of Nisbet. Their injuries are not life-threatening, but the emotional scars will undoubtedly run deep. The incident has instilled fear within the community, a sense that a senseless act of violence could strike anywhere.
Security at the Lion’s Den that night consisted of ID checks, but lacked the more comprehensive screening measures like metal detectors. The question of enhanced security is now being raised in the wake of this tragedy.
Authorities emphasize that this was not a targeted attack on Nisbet’s group or Lambton College. It was a random act of violence, a horrifying consequence of escalating conflict. Nisbet and his friends were simply enjoying a night out, doing nothing to provoke the events that unfolded.
The loss of Dane Nisbet has shaken Sarnia to its core. Chief Davis spoke of unimaginable grief and a foundation of the city being broken. The investigation continues, driven by a commitment to justice and a desire to bring closure to a community grappling with profound sorrow.
