On August 26, 2024, at 3:15pm 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service responded to a report of an armed person in downtown St. Catharines.
A business employee in the area of St. Paul Street and James Street received information in front of the business brandishing a knife. Officers attended and met with two adult victims (man and woman). The initial investigation determined that a male suspect had become involved in a landlord tenant conflict over repairs. The situation escalated when the suspect brandished a knife in threatening manner.
A check of the area located the suspect on foot on James Street. When officers attempted to arrest the suspect, he resisted arrest and a struggle ensued. Officers successfully deployed a conducted energy weapon (Taser) and were able to arrest the suspect at 4:07pm.
Alain Joseph Cloutier (57 years old) of St. Catharines has been arrested and charged with the Criminal Code offences of:
Assault with a Weapon
Cloutier was held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on August 27, 2024.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1004233.
24-95320