Man with pellet gun threatens to burn down a home in Niagara Falls

A man with a pellet gun heard swearing and threatening to burn down a home, led to a hold and secure at Niagara Falls school.

The man was “yelling obscenities while threatening to burn down a nearby home” on Strohan Street near Johnson Drive of Niagara Falls around 12:30 p.m. yesterday (Sept. 11), Niagara Regional Police said in a press release.

After officers were unable to find the man, multiple police officers were called in to search the area.

As the search was underway, police learned the man had a gun.

At that point, Victoria Public School was placed on a hold and secure as officers continued the search.

The Niagara Police Emergency Task Unit also responded.

And at 2:41 p.m. the task unit found and arrested a man in a backyard.

Police then learned the firearm was a pellet gun.  The hold and secure at Victoria Park School was lifted and students were dismissed as usual.

Police thanked the District School Board of Niagara for their cooperation.

Carlos William Lewis, 39, of Niagara Falls faces possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats charges.

Lewis is being held for a bail hearing today (Sept. 12) via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective at (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1009535.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.

Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.