On August 27, 2024, at 6:14am the Communications Unit of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) received a 9-1-1 call advising there was an unknown problem at a residence located on West Main Street east of Denistoun Street, in the City Welland. Further information was received that a male had scaled between two buildings to a height of approximately 20 feet and was observed by a female peering inside her bathroom window while attempting the gain entry by removing the screen.
Officers assigned to 3 District (Welland / Pelham) responded to the area and located the suspect approximately 20 feet from ground level using his legs to hold his bodyweight between two buildings that were approximately 4 feet apart. The suspect was naked from the waist down. In an effort to avoid police interaction, the suspect climbed to the roof before jumping to the ground and running from officers. He was caught after a short foot pursuit and attempted to resist arrest by fighting with officers. After a short struggle he was secured into handcuffs and placed under arrest.
Given the height of the jump, officers transported the suspect to a local hospital for a medical assessment. While at the hospital the suspect unsuccessfully attempted to escape lawful custody by breaking free from an officer’s hold and sprinting toward an exit. He was again caught and officers regained control of the uncooperative suspect.
Barry Austin MORNINGSTAR (31 Years) of no fixed address has been arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
Voyeurism Break Enter Commit Dwelling House Mischief Under $5000 (2 Counts) Loiter / Prowl at Night on Another Person’s Property Nude in Public Place Obstruct Resist Peace Officer Possess Break-In Instrument Escape Lawful Custody Breach of Probation Fail to Comply with Release Order
MORNINGSTAR was held in custody for a video bail hearing scheduled to take place via video link to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines on August 27, 2024.
Detectives are investigating to determine if there is any link between this incident and the break and enter that occurred on August 22, 2024, in the area of Endicott Terrace, in the City of Welland. (CLICK HERE)
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officer by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1023300.
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.
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Incident #24-95694