3 arrested, 1 suspect wanted after Wainfleet shooting, abduction

Niagara Regional Police have arrested and charged three people after a targeted shooting and attempted abduction in Wainfleet Tuesday evening.

The incident happened around 5:20 p.m. in the area of Concession Rd. Six and Wellandport Rd.

Officers say four suspects abducted a 15-year-old boy from a home in Thorold and drove 30km to another address, where the suspects attempted to abduct another 15-year-old boy.

Investigators say one shot was fired but no one was hurt. The group of men ran from the area but the suspect vehicle got stuck in a ditch, stranding the four suspects.

Police asked Wainfleet residents in the area to shelter in place Tuesday night but the protocol has since been lifted.

Officers from the NRPS K9 Unit and Emergency Task Unit have begun a search / track for the suspects in that area.   Members of the public who are in the area are being asked to remain indoors (shelter in place) as a precaution.  Please stay out of the area.

— NRPS (@NiagRegPolice) March 1, 2023

Despite a prolonged search of the area, officers say the fourth suspect has not been located.

Investigators have not recovered the weapons used in this incident and believe the outstanding suspect may still be armed. Officers and K9 will be in the area Wednesday to continue their search.

“We can’t understate the seriousness of gun crimes in our community,” a police spokesperson said in an email to CHCH News.

“That being said, we do not believe there is an ongoing community threat stemming from this incident.”

READ MORE: OPP identify suspect vehicle in pedestrian hit-and-run in Dunnville

Two 16-year-old boys – one from Pelham and one from Niagara Falls – have been jointly charged with:

• Kidnapping – Contrary to Section 279(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Use of a Firearm During the Commission of an Offence – Contrary to Section 85(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Attempt to Commit an Indictable Offence (Kidnapping) – Contrary to Section 463(a) of the Criminal Code
• Use of Firearm while Attempting to Commit an Offence – Contrary to Section 85(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
• Due to the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identity of the two accused parties cannot be disclosed.

A 20-year-old man from St. Catharines has been charged with:

• Kidnapping – Contrary to Section 279(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Use of a Firearm During the Commission of an Offence – Contrary to Section 85(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Attempt to Commit an Indictable Offence (Kidnapping) – Contrary to Section 463(a) of the Criminal Code
• Use of Firearm while Attempting to Commit an Offence – Contrary to Section 85(1)(b) of the Criminal Code

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at 905 688 4111, Option 3, ext. 1009318.