Welland man now faces 29 charges

A Welland man now faces 29 charges after Niagara police laid a third set of charges.

This investigation dates back to January 19th when a Welland male was stopped by uniform Police Officers in Thorold.

At that time the male was arrested for breaching his release order as well as Obstruct Police.

The following day, members of the St. Catharines Street Crime Unit began to investigate this same male as he was suspected to have committed several break and enters throughout the St. Catharines and Thorold area.

At that time, 22-year-old Kyle Smith of Welland was initially charged with 4 counts of Break and Enter, 3 counts of Disguise with Intent, 1 count of Drive Disqualified, 1 count of Theft of a motor vehicle Under $5,000.00, and 1 count of Breaching a release order.

After more investigation, police believed that Smith was involved in a break and enter which lead to a Police pursuit covering some 22 kilometres.

After colliding with 3 cruisers, Police exercised their discretion and aborted the pursuit for Police and Public safety reasons.

But as a result, Smith was further charged with single counts of Break and Enter, Disguise with Intent, Possession of Stolen Property, Flight from Police, Dangerous Driving, and Failing to Stop at the scene of an accident.

That brought the number of total charges to 21.

The St. Catharines Street Crime Unit continued to investigate several break and enters throughout the Niagara Region.

As a result of that investigation, Police believe that Smith is responsible for several more break and enters.

Next Monday the 14th, Kyle Smith will return to St. Catharines court where he will be formally charged with 8 more counts of Break and Enter, bringing his total number of charges to 29.

And of course police are continuing to investigate.