Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have been actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting that occurred on April 27, 2025.
As a result of the investigation detectives identified two individuals responsible for the shooting.
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, judicial authorization was granted and 1 District Detectives, with the assistance of 1 District Street Crime Unit (SCU) executed search warrants at two residential address’ in St. Catharines. LeBron SAMUELS (21 years) of St. Catharines was arrested and found to be in possession of a firearm (handgun) and ammunition. As a result of the arrest, Samuels faces the following criminal charges:
Possession of a loaded firearm Possession of a firearm without holding a licence Possession of a restricted/ prohibited firearm Carry concealed weapon Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose Careless use/storage of firearm
As a result of the April 27, 2025, shooting, Samuels faces the following criminal charges:
Aggravated assault Discharge firearm with intent Possession of a loaded firearm Possession of a firearm without holding a licence Careless use of firearm Carry concealed weapon Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose Assault Fail to comply with probation
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, judicial authorization was granted and 1 District Detectives, with the assistance of Barrie Police Service’s Street Crime Unit and Tactical Support Unit executed a search warrant at a residential address in Barrie. Taeshawn JOSEPH (18 years) of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
Aggravated assault Discharge firearm with intent Possession of a loaded firearm Possession of a firearm without holding a licence Careless use of firearm Carry concealed weapon Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose Assault
SAMUELS was held in custody and attended a bail hearing, that took place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines where he was remanded into custody.
JOSEPH is being held in custody pending a bail hearing, which is expected to take place Friday, May 23, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
This investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009222.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Incident #25-42629
Original Release – April 27, 2025
On Sunday April 27, 2025, at 12:43am Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) uniformed patrol officers assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) were on proactive patrol in the downtown core of the City of St. Catharines when the sounds of gunshots were heard coming from the St. Paul Street area.
As officers proceeded to the scene, a multitude of individuals were observed running from Club 88, located on St. Paul Street. A shooting victim was located outside the club and identified as a 16 year old male from the City of Ajax, Ontario. Niagara Emergency Medical Service (NEMS) paramedics with the assistance of St. Catharines Fire & Emergency Services personnel arrived at the scene and assessed the victim who was ultimately transported to an out-of-region hospital for treatment. The victim’s injuries have since been determined to be non-life threatening.
Investigation has determined the shooting occurred inside Club 88 near the bathroom area. The circumstances that led up to the shooting remain part of the active and ongoing investigation.
The suspect is described as:
– Male
– Wearing a black Nike sweater
– Wearing black jogging pants
Detectives assigned to the 1 District Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB) has assumed carriage of the investigation. They are being supported by detectives assigned to the Forensic Services Unit. Anyone with information is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, option 3, extension #1009222.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.