SIU clears Niagara police officer of wrongdoing after standoff in Welland

A Niagara police officer has been cleared of wrongdoing after a Welland man was wounded during a lengthy standoff last year.

Ontario’s Police Watchdog says the officer fired his weapon to protect himself and his fellow officers, and found no reasonable grounds to charge him.

The shooting happened during a nearly 24 hour long standoff that started in the morning of Dec 19.

Police had accompanied a bylaw officer for a fence dispute at a former church on Second Street.

Officers say the man inside opened fire, hitting one of the officers in the chest.

The officer was taken to hospital as a precaution and was later released after being treated for minor injuries.

A month after the standoff, 59-year-old Daniel Tronko was charged with six counts of attempted murder.

WATCH MORE: 24-hour standoff in Welland concludes with arrest, shelter in place lifted