For many years, the first Friday in June has been known as “Beach Day” in Niagara. On this occasion secondary students across Niagara take an “unofficial” day off from school and attend area beaches to be with friends.
Depending on the year, the event has been both problem free and has experienced alcohol and drug consumption, vandalism, littering, and unfortunately violence.
Friday, June 2nd marked Beach Day 2023 in Niagara. As a proactive measure the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) district offices with waterfront beaches (Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Grimsby, and St. Catharines) began taking steps to ensure the fun and safety of those who chose to come the beaches. The beach areas were patrolled by extra officers hired for foot and ATV patrol. The NRPS Marine Unit was deployed to the Lake Erie shoreline and the NRPS Traffic Enforcement Unit patrolled the roads near the beaches. Officers from Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Units from across Niagara were deployed to augment safety efforts at the various beaches.
Fort Erie – Bay Beach saw approximately 200-250 people, throughout the day. It was a mixed crowd with local families in attendance as well as high school students. Security guards and Town of Fort Erie Bylaw officers addressed attempts to bring alcohol on to the beach.
Port Colborne – Nickel Beach had approximately 80 – 100 young persons. There were no issues reported.
Grimsby – Grimsby and west Niagara beaches had little activity. There were no issues reported.
St. Catharines – There was significant attendance at Sunset Beach in St. Catharines with the crowds estimated at 1800+ persons. Officers found some persons in the crowd to be volatile and defiant at times, with officers having had cans and water bottles thrown at them. Officers faced significant challenges with multiple fights, alcohol and drug (underage consumption) use, motor vehicle collisions, and a large brawl that led to a 16-year-old male being transported to the hospital serious but nonlife threatening injuries.
The 16-year-old male victim was treated and released from hospital. 18-year-old Noah Ciccone of Grimsby was arrested and charged in relation to the injuries the 16-year-old male suffered. Ciccone is charged with the Criminal Code offence of:
Assault Cause Bodily Harm
Ciccone was released from custody on a Form 10 Undertaking with a future court date.
The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to work with our community partners to ensure that Beach Day is fun and safe.
The matter remains under investigation by the 1 District – St. Catharines detective office. Anyone who may have witnessed, or video recorded the brawl is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3 extension 1009628, referencing incident #23-58323
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 which leads to an arrest.
Click Here For Crime Stoppers Online
23-58323