On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m. uniform members of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) assigned to 6 District (Port Colborne/Wainfleet) responded to Sherkston Shores Resort located at 490 Empire Road in the City of Port Colborne for reports of an impaired driver.
As a result of the initial investigation, officers conducted a traffic stop within the grounds of the resort. Upon interacting with the driver, officers determined that his ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol. The male driver was subsequently placed under arrest.
Further investigation revealed that the accused male was also in possession of a firearm.
Donovan Smith, a 25-year-old male resident of Thorold, has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
Impaired Operation of a Conveyance Possess a Prohibited Firearm Without Holding a License Careless Storage of a Firearm Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle Possess a Loaded Regulated Firearm
Smith attended a bail hearing on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines where he was remanded into custody.
In addition to these charges SMITH received a 90-day administrative driver’s license suspension and a 7-day vehicle impoundment.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, dial option 3, extension 1009720.
Members of the community 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 individuals who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.