On Monday, January 20, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m., 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) responded to an Unwanted Person call in St. Catharines.
NRPS Officers attended the area of Ontario Street and Chapleau Gate in the City of St. Catharines where a 34-year-old male was located. The male was voluntarily transported by officers to an area hospital.
At approximately 3:45 p.m. officers reattended Niagara Health System – St. Catharines Site where the same male was found attacking a hospital staff member. A violent struggle occurred when the officer went to intervene and arrest the male suspect. Additional officers, security guards and hospital staff members assisted in apprehending the suspect.
Alexandre Gratton (34 years) of St. Catharines was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
– Assault Peace Officer
– Assault X 2
Gratton was held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines that occurred on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Gratton was released from custody by the courts with conditions to abide by.
The officer was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital. Security guards and hospital staff who assisted were also treated for minor injuries and released from hospital.
Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact the lead detective by calling 905-688-4111, extension 1009610.
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.