On Saturday, September 6, 2025, at approximately 9:10 a.m. uniform members of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) assigned to 3 District (Welland/Pelham) responded to the area of Effingham Street and Sumbler Road in the Town of Pelham for a report of an impaired driver.
Responding officers had information that a dark grey Dodge Ram pick-up truck was travelling eastbound on Chantler Road toward Welland while weaving into oncoming traffic. Officers located the vehicle parked in a driveway with the drivers door open and spoke to the driver. Upon investigation, officers determined the driver was impaired. As an arrest was being attempted, the suspect suddenly accelerated, causing an officer to be thrown from the vehicle to the ground as the vehicle sped away westbound on Sumbler Road.
A short time later, uniform members of 6 District (Port Colborne/Wainfleet) observed the suspect vehicle travelling eastbound on Forks Road. Officers strategically positioned themselves along the suspect’s route, and multiple spike belts were safely and successfully deployed. Despite this, the suspect vehicle continued eastbound without stopping.
Uniform members from 6 District, with the assistance of the NRPS K-9 Unit, initiated a high-risk traffic stop. During the traffic stop the suspect vehicle collided with police cruisers. Officers were able to access the driver’s side door, but the vehicle remained in gear, and the suspect attempted to flee.
The police service dog was deployed, prompting the suspect to exit the vehicle. Despite this, the suspect continued to resist arrest and attempted to disarm an officer. Officers were eventually able to gain control, and the suspect was taken into custody.
As a result of the incident, four NRPS cruisers were damaged, three NRPS officers were treated for minor injuries, and the driver of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Jonathan LAMONTAGNE, a 24-year-old resident of Wainfleet, has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
Impaired Operation of a Conveyance Flight from Police (two counts) Assault with Intent to Resist Arrest Attempting to Disarm a Police Officer Dangerous Driving Resist Arrest Possession of a Schedule I Substance (Cocaine)
LAMONTAGNE remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing Sunday, September 7, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.
Members of the community 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 people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.