Detectives from 3 District (Welland / Pelham) and 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) offices of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) have been investigating two-gun related incidents in Niagara.
On October 20th, 2023, at 3:18am Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 6 District (Port Colborne / Wainfleet) responded to a robbery that just occurred at a 24-hour convenience store located on Regional Road 24 near Regional Road 27 in the Township of Wainfleet.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the employee who indicated a lone male suspect entered the store brandishing a handgun. The suspect demand currency and cigarettes. A single shot was fired by the suspect into the ceiling of the store. The employee did not receive any physical injuries. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival.
On October 30th, 2023, at 8:34am, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) responded to an armed robbery attempt at Enterprise Rent-A-Car located on Lake Street north of Scott Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect had entered the premise armed with a black handgun. He made a demand to the store employee for the keys to a rental vehicle. When the keys were not provided the suspect fled the store on foot. The store employee did not receive any physical injuries because of the attempted robbery.
The subsequent investigation by detectives resulted in a suspect being identified.
On October 31, 2023, at 1:25am detectives observed a car associated to the suspect in the area of Glendale Avenue and Taylor Road in Niagara on the Lake. Officers located the car in the area of Cole Crescent abandoned in Niagara on the Lake. Further investigation determined that the suspect had entered a nearby home. Officers converged on the home and contained it. A NRPS Crisis Negotiator was able to communicate with the suspect who surrendered himself to officers and was arrested at 4:13am.
Christian Adam Edmunds (28 yrs.) of Niagara on the Lake has been arrested and charged with the Criminal Code offences of:
Robbery Using a Restricted Firearm (2 Counts) Disguise with Intent (2 Counts) Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle (2 Counts) Point Firearm (2 Counts) Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammunition Possession of Firearm, Weapon, or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order (9 Counts)
Further charges are anticipated. On October 31, 2023, Edmunds attended a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines where he was ordered held in custody.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1008393.
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
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Related Media Releases
Suspect Sought After Armed Robbery at Wainfleet Convenience Store – October 20, 2023
Suspect Sought After Armed Robbery Attempt in St. Catharines – October 30, 2023