Niagara police search for known witness as hit-and-run investigation turned over to homicide

Niagara police say a hit-and-run that happened at Charles Daley Park on Thursday has turned into a murder investigation.

Officers were called to the park in Lincoln around 9:45 a.m. after reports of a pedestrian being hit by a car. The man who was struck was identified as 82-year-old Larry Pearce of St. Catharines. He is confirmed to have died in hospital on Friday.

Investigators say Pearce arrived alone at the park on Thursday morning. At some point before 9:40 a.m., two people took control of his vehicle.

In an attempt to stop the hijackers from driving away, Pearce stood in front of the car. Police say he was struck during this confrontation and fell to the ground.

The vehicle, described as a 2012 grey Honda CRV, was last seen entering the QEW Niagara-bound from Seventh Street around 9:44 a.m. Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for cars matching this description with an Ontario firefighter’s license plate “2FS30”

Niagara police are also searching for one person who was seen in the park during the time of the attack. Officers say 50-year-old David Rocchetti may have information relating to their investigation.

However, Rocchetti has outstanding warrants for unrelated matters. Police have released a statement urging him to contact legal counsel and speak with homicide detectives.

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