On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at approximately 2:00 A.M. uniformed officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 3 District (Welland/Pelham) were called to investigate a belated sexual assault.
The adult female victim reported that she went out for a walk at approximately midnight, in the area of Woodlawn Road and Clare Avenue, in Welland. The victim asked a male a question. That male was unknown to her. The male then sexually assaulted the victim and tried to pull her into a wooded area. The victim was able to get to her phone at which point the suspect stopped the assault and the victim was able to escape.
The suspect is described as follows.
Male Middle Eastern descent Speaking with a heavy Middle Eastern accent Approximately 21 years of age Heavy build (200lb) 5’4” to 5’5” tall Dark brown hair Full black beard Wearing a grey zip-up sweater with writing on the back and possibly black sweatpants
Detectives with the Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) have taken carriage of the investigation. They are asking for anyone who may have seen someone matching the suspect description in the area, or for anyone who may have security footage of that area to contact them at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009311.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.