On Sunday August 31, 2025, at 8:59am Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 3 District (Welland / Pelham) responded alongside Niagara Emergency Medical Service (NEMS) paramedics to a residential address located near Crowland Avenue and York Street, in the City of Welland for a medical assistance call involving a child under the age of 5.
Upon arrival, uniform patrol officers observed the front door to the residence showing signs of having been forced open. Further observations confirmed the involved child was suffering from serious injuries prompting an immediate criminal investigation. The child was assessed at the residence and transported by paramedics to an out-of-region hospital for advanced medical care. The child remains in hospital at this time and is listed in stable condition.
After speaking with the child’s parents, it became apparent an unknown person defeated the lock on the front door and entered the residence sometime between Saturday August 30, 2025, at 10:00pm and prior to the incident being reported on Sunday August 31, 2025, at 8:59am. While inside the residence, unbeknownst to the parents, their child was sexually assaulted.
Uniform patrol officers secured the scene and commenced a neighborhood canvass in search of investigative leads. A witness was located who indicated they may have video surveillance of the general area. The video was reviewed, and a suspect was identified. Further investigation by uniform patrol officers in consultation with detectives assigned to the Child Abuse Unit resulted in the arrest of Daniel SENECAL (25 years) of Welland.
SENECAL remains in police custody at this time and is charged with the following Criminal Offences:
• Aggravated Sexual Assault on a Person Under 16 Years
• Assault
• Assault / Choking
• Break Enter and Commit – Dwelling House
• Sexual Interference With a Person Under 16 Years of Age
SENECAL is scheduled to attend a bail hearing later today (Monday September 1, 2025) via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.
Detectives assigned to the Child Abuse Unit have assumed carriage of the investigation. They are being supported by detectives assigned to the Sexual Assault Unit and Forensic Services Unit.
Anyone with information in encouraged to contact the lead detective by dialing (905) 688-4111, option #3, extension 1009898.
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 that leads to an arrest.
Incident #25-99410