On June 28th, 2023, at 11:24am Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 6 District (Port Colborne / Wainfleet) responded to the Avondale store located at the corner of Main Street West and Elm Street, in the City of Port Colborne regarding a theft that had just occurred.
Upon arrival, officers learned the suspect entered the store and proceeded to the consumable goods isle. The suspect took items from the shelf and without making any payment attempt exited the store. The suspect was confronted by an Avondale employee outside the store, at which point he drew a knife from within his jacket. A passing motorist observed the confrontation and pulled over to assist. The Avondale employee did not sustain any physical injuries nor did the assisting motorist.
Responding officers located the suspect at the intersection of Elm Street and Neff Street and placed him under arrest. The involved knife was also recovered. The suspect has been identified as a 14 year old youth from the City of Port Colborne. He has been charged with the following criminal offences:
• Assault with a Weapon
• Theft Under $5000
• Fail to Comply with Sentence
The Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits the Niagara Regional Police Service from releasing further identifying information about the youth. He remains in police custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing later today (June 29th, 2023) via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the investigating officer by dialing 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009101.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Incident #23-69684