Teen arrested following an armed confrontation at Brock University in Niagara
Published October 29, 2023 at 2:58 pm
An 18-year-old has been arrested and faces charges related to violent conduct and firearm possession, after an alleged armed confrontation at Niagara’s Brock University.
On Saturday (Oct. 28) shortly before 6 p.m., Niagara Regional Police officers responded to a report of an armed individual on campus at a student residence, in the City of St. Catharines.
Police say they discovered that the suspect, not affiliated with Brock University as a student, had come to the campus to confront three known acquaintances regarding a prior dispute.
According to investigators, during the confrontation, the suspect was brandishing what appeared to be a black handgun, and allegedly issued death threats.
The three individuals sought safety, locking themselves inside a dormitory.
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Fortunately, the victims did not sustain any physical injuries from the altercation, police say.
Brock University Campus Safety Services, promptly issued an emergency alert through an internal electronic notification platform, instructing all Brock students and staff to shelter-in-place, police say.
As part of this precautionary measure, it was advised to turn off lights and silence cellphones.
To stay informed and receive real-time updates, individuals were urged to consistently monitor official Brock University communication channels.
Twenty-three minutes into the lockdown, Brock University said that Niagara Police were continuing investigations off campus.
Authorities say they had determined that the suspect had left the premises in a motor vehicle.
Subsequently, by 6:30 p.m., the lockdown was lifted and individuals on campus were asked to resume with their regular activities.
Police were on the hunt for the suspect and say, further information suggested that he might be located inside a residence in north St. Catharines.
The Emergency Task Unit (ETU), with support from the Canine Unit and 1 District uniform patrol officers, responded to the address.
Officers confirm, the suspect voluntarily exited the residence and surrendered at 7:03 p.m., leading to his arrest.
Upon obtaining judicial authorization, detectives conducted a search of the residence for evidence related to the offense.
Police say a handgun connected to the incident was allegedly located and identified as a replica airsoft pellet gun.
Dante Palumbo (18) of St. Catharines has been taken into custody and faces several charges including possession of a weapon, criminal harassment, and uttering threats.
Palumbo is currently in police custody, pending a bail hearing scheduled for Oct. 29, via video link at the John Sopinka Courthouse in the City of Hamilton.
Anyone with information about this investigation are urged to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, selecting option #3.
