Detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service are investigating a large party on Winterberry Boulevard in the City of Thorold that led to three people being assaulted.
On August 26, 2023, at 10:22pm, 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) responded to a home on Winterberry Boulevard in Thorold for a report of a large party. Multiple officers attended to assist in dispersing the crowd of over 200 persons. The crowd was found to be a mix of young adults (18-20s yrs.) and teens. Some people in attendance were also believed to be from outside the Niagara Region. Investigation determined it was a planned party with entertainment provided (DJ) with underage drinking.
As the party was dispersed, pockets of party goers continued to loiter on nearby streets. At 12:13am on August 27, 2023, the NRPS received a 911 call regarding an assault that had just occurred in the area of Silver Maple Road and Winterberry Boulevard. Officers attended a home and met with three victims suffering from injuries related to being punched, kicked, and stomped. The two female victims (59 yrs. and 28 yrs.) and the male victim (27 yrs.) were assessed and treated at the scene by Niagara Emergency Services paramedics. The initial investigation determined that a group of party goers had been found trespassing on the victim’s property. When they were told to leave, the group of 10 persons began assaulting one of the female victims. Her family and a friend came to her aid, and they were also assaulted. The group fled prior to police arrival.
The victims were able to describe two of the suspects:
Suspect 1
• Black male
• 17-19 years of age
5’9 -5’10 feet tall
• Slender build
• Dreadlock style hair
• Wearing:
Black sweatshirt, red gym style shorts, black balaclava ski mask with eye and mouth openings
Suspect 2
• Black female
• 17-19 years of age
Black hair with two large braids extending to her waist.
• Wearing:
Black mesh off the shoulder top and a white short skirt
The investigation has been assigned to the 1 District detective office. Officers from the 1 District Community Oriented Response & Engagement (CORE) Unit are also liaising with our community partners regarding unruly party behaviour.
The Niagara Regional Police would like to remind potential party planners they can place themselves in jeopardy civilly, and potentially criminally as event organizers. Enforcement related to large parties could include criminal, provincial, or local bylaw charges.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 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 which leads to an arrest.
Click Here For Crime Stoppers Online
23-95712
