One man arrested after St. Catharines home invasion, four suspects outstanding

Niagara police have arrested one man involved in a St. Catharines home invasion and are searching for four more suspects.

Officers say the home invasion robbery happened Friday at approximately 3:50 a.m. in the area of Lake Street and Welland Avenue.

According to authorities, five masked suspects armed with firearms arrived at the residence in a white Acura TLX originally stolen in Mississauga.

Four of the suspects broke into the apartment and stole personal possessions. The fifth remained in the stolen Acura.

Officers arrived within minutes and intercepted the suspects fleeing.

The man in the stolen vehicle rammed two police cruisers, while the others fled on foot. The man in the vehicle was arrested on scene.

Joshua Balkaran, 18, of Elmira has been charged with the following offences:

• Robbery with a Firearm (four counts)
• Forcible Confinement (four counts)
• Break and Enter Dwelling House (two counts)
• Disguised with Intent
• Possession of a Dangerous Weapon
• Mischief Over $5,000
• Mischief Under $5,000
• Dangerous Operation
• Flight From Peace Officer
• Assault a Peace Officer with a Weapon
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000

The occupants of the residence and responding officers were not injured.

Detectives believe this is a targeted incident and there is no risk to the public.

The four remaining suspects are outstanding. They were captured on CCTV fleeing westbound on foot near Welland Avenue and Lake Street.

Anyone in the area at the time of the offence who may have video or dashcam footage of the vehicle or suspects is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009222.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or on their website.

READ MORE: Niagara police searching for wanted St. Catharines man