Niagara Police offer up more information on Wainfleet firearm incident

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Published March 1, 2023 at 9:49 am

More information is coming out about last night’s (Feb. 28) incident in Wainfleet that involved a firearm as the investigation continues.

In an update this morning (March 1), Niagara Police expanded on the situation that started in the Concession Road 6 and Wellandport Rd. area of Wainfleet.

Police say at 5:20 pm they responded to a disturbance earlier at a rural residence, discovering a young man had been taken against his will by four suspects armed with firearms and knives.

When they arrived at the second house in Wainfleet, their investigation learned that the same suspects attempted to grab a second young man. At this point, a shot was fired but no one was injured.

At this point, the get-away car go stuck in a ditch, stranding the suspects in the countryside where they took off on foot. The police caught one suspect but brought in the Canine Unit to track the other three.

Quickly, at the Niagara Police’s request, the OPP joined the search, bringing one of their helicopters. The police has asked nearby residents in Wainfleet to stay inside while they searched.

At 7 pm, they found two more suspects but the fourth remained on the loose.

Two 16-year-old males – one from Pelham and one from Niagara Falls – have been jointly charged with kidnapping, the use of a firearm during a crime, attempt to kidnap and a second firearm charge.

Due to their age, their identities remain unreported.

A 20-year-old man from St. Catharines has also been charged with kidnapping, the use of a firearm during a crime, attempt to kidnap and a second firearm charge. His identity remains undisclosed because police believe revealing it may cause the two Young Offenders to be identified.

All three parties are being held in custody pending a video bail hearing scheduled to take place today at the courthouse in St. Catharines.

Niagara Police said they wanted “to thank area residents and the Wainfleet community for the patience throughout the incident.  In addition, we would also like to acknowledge and thank the OPP for their assistance by providing aerial support.”

Niagara Police are continuing to investigate this incident as they think it was targeted incident but says there is no threat to public safety at this point.

Anyone with information is asked to please call (905) 688 – 4111, Option 3, extension 1009318.

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