On July 26, 2023, at 3:27am, 8 District (Grimsby / Lincoln / West Lincoln) uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service responded to a report of an assault that had just occurred in Lincoln.
Officers attended a home on Dennis Avenue near Garden Gate Terrace. Officers met with the male complainant who was suffering from the effects of an irritant spray similar to bear or dog spray.
The initial investigation determined that the complainant had been awoken to find a male in his driveway attempting to enter and steal from his car. The complainant went outside and confronted the male suspect. A struggle ensued during which the unknown male began yelling. Three other unknown males came to his aid. One male produced an irritant spray canister and at least two other males produced pistols and pointed them at the complainant. The suspects with the pistols threatened to shoot and kill the complainant. The complainant was suddenly sprayed. At the same time the complainant recalls hearing sounds similar to Airsoft pistols being shot/fired. The complainant was not struck.
The suspects fled in an older, light coloured, four door sedan with a loud muffler (see below photos). The muffler was described as being not well maintained. The sedan was last seen turning south onto Bartlett Road towards John Street.
The suspects are described as being four Black males, at least one had an accent. The suspect males are believed to be 18-20 years old, approximately 5’10” – 6’00” tall. All the suspects were wearing dark clothing. The males concealed their identities wearing balaclavas or similar face and head coverings.
8 District detectives have been assigned to the investigation. This incident is believed to be related to a group of three males observed walking through Lincoln and Grimsby neighbourhoods stealing from unlocked cars while armed with a handgun (see below related media release link).
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to not confront the suspects but instead to observe and immediately call the police (9-1-1). These suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone (residents or businesses) in the area (Allan Court, Adam Court, Garden Gate Terrace or Dennis Avenue) with closed circuit security cameras, doorbell video cameras, or dash cameras are asked to review their footage for suspicious activity for the period between 1:00am and 4:00am on July 26, 2023.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009386.
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
23-81867
Related Media Release
Detectives Seek Assistance Identifying Suspects in Possession of a Handgun in Lincoln and Grimsby – July 21, 2023