Category: Niagara

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Niagara Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Fatal Hit & Run

Niagra Regional Police

Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Collision Reconstruction Unit, in partnership with the 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB), continue to investigate a fatal hit-and-run.

Detectives are appealing to members of the community for information that may assist in identifying the vehicle involved. The suspect vehicle is described as:

  • White Audi SUV
  • Four doors
  • Equipped with a large moonroof

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, dial option 3, extension 1009059.

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.

#25-89720

See images below:

suspect vehicle
suspect vehicle 1
suspect vehicle 2

UPDATE 2 – Detectives Investigating after a Pedestrian was Struck in Niagara Falls – August 15, 2025

On Thursday August 14, 2025, the pedestrian, a 63-year-old Niagara Falls man, succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Collision Reconstruction Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Branch, are now investigating this as a hit-and-run fatality.

Detectives are seeking dashcam, cellphone, or other surveillance footage recorded between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Dorchester Road, between Lundy’s Lane and McLeod Road in Niagara Falls, that may have captured the suspect vehicle. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact investigators.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, dial option 3, extension 1009059.

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.

UPDATE 1 – Detectives Investigating after a Pedestrian was Struck in Niagara Falls

The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Collision Reconstruction Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Branch, continues the investigation into the August 10, 2025, fail-to-remain collision in Niagara Falls.

Detectives are seeking dashcam, cellphone, or other surveillance footage recorded between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Dorchester Road, between Lundy’s Lane and McLeod Road in Niagara Falls, that may have captured the suspect vehicle. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact investigators.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, dial option 3, extension 1009059.

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.

Original release – August 12, 2025

On Sunday, August 10, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m. uniform members of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) responded to the area of Montrose Road and Greendale Street in the City of Niagara Falls for a reported Motor Vehicle Collision.

The initial investigation determined that a collision occurred between a white 4-door Audi SUV with a large moonroof and a pedestrian. The white 4-door Audi SUV did not stop and was last seen driving southbound on Montrose Road toward Lundy’s Lane in the City of Niagara Falls.

The pedestrian that was struck was transported to an out of region hospital with critical injuries.

Detectives assigned to the NRPS Collision Reconstruction Unit have assumed carriage of the motor vehicle collision investigation. Detectives assigned to the NRPS 2 District Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have assumed carriage of the outstanding vehicle investigation. Both investigative teams are working collaboratively and are receiving support from detectives with the NRPS Forensic Services Unit (FSU).

Detectives are appealing to the public for any dashcam, cell phone, or other surveillance footage recorded between 9:50 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. in the area of the incident and to contact investigators if anything relevant is captured.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, dial option 3, extension 1009059.

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.

#25-89720

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Niagara Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases Welland

Pervet Alert: Faisal JADOOA Arrested AGAIN! #3Strikes

Niagra Regional Police

Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding an indecent act and inappropriate physical contact incident.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2025, Faisal JADOOA (26 years) of Welland was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:

  • Fail to Comply with Release Order
  • Sexual Assault
  • Indecent Act

JADOOA is being held in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.

Detectives would like to thank members of the community for their assistance in this matter.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009638.

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.

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Niagara OPP Police Press Releases

Fatal Motorcycle Vs Pickup Truck

(NIAGARA, ON) – Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Highway Safety Division (HSD) – Niagara Detachment are investigating a two-vehicle collision between a motorcycle and a pickup truck that resulted in a fatality to the driver of the motorcycle.

At approximately 3:50 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, there was a collision involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck in the intersection of highway 58 and Thorold Stone Rd in Thorold, Ontario. Emergency services attended the scene and the driver of the motorcycle, a 62-year-old male from Niagara Falls, the lone occupant, suffered critical injuries and was subsequently declared deceased.

The lone occupant of the pickup truck was not injured and remained on scene.

The OPP-HSD Traffic Support Unit attended to complete a thorough technical/reconstructive motor vehicle investigation of the scene. The intersection and various roads in the area were closed for approximately 5 hours for the collision investigation and cleanup. No charges have been laid, and the investigation is ongoing.

Thank you to the public for your patience and assistance with this collision investigation and resulting closure.

If you witnessed or have dashcam or other information related to this collision, please contact the Niagara Detachment of the OPP at 905-356-1311 or 1-888-310-1122 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.com.

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Niagara Niagra Falls Niagra Police Service

Public Shocked As Police “Subdue” Dogs

In September of 2025, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives with the Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit (OEEU) and Street Crime Unit detectives assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) commenced an investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs in the City of Niagara Falls. 

On September 17, 2025, detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service obtained judicial authorization to execute a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence in Niagara Falls. During the execution of the warrant, officers were confronted by two aggressive pit bull-type dogs. The animals were safely subdued through the deployment of a conducted energy weapon, allowing detectives to secure the scene and continue their investigation.

As a result of the investigation police seized the following:

  • 70.4 grams of fentanyl (Value: $6066)
  • 12.1 grams of crystal methamphetamine (Value: $1210)
  • 23 capsules of hydromorphone (Value: $345)
  • 44 tablets of dilaudids (Value: $660)
  • Sigsauer .22 caliber pistol with loaded magazine
  • Eatonia .22 caliber rifle
  • Marksman .45 caliber rifle
  • Additional rounds of ammunition

Cordell WETTLAUFER, a 41-year-old resident of Niagara Falls, has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:

  • Fail to Comply with Undertaking
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order
  • Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order
  • Possession of a Firearm Without Holding a Licence (Three counts)
  • Possession of a Prohibited Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence (Three counts)
  • Careless Storage of a Firearm (Three counts)

Jan ALTORF, a 22-year-old resident of Niagara Falls, has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:

  • Obstruct Peace Officer
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Crystal Meth
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Hydromorphone
  • Trafficking in a Schedule I Controlled Substance

Ann STAMP, a 25-year-old resident of Niagara Falls, has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Crystal Meth
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Hydromorphone
  • Trafficking in a Schedule I Controlled Substance

WETTLAUFER, ALTORF and STAMP, remain in custody and are scheduled to attend a bail hearing Thursday, September 18, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, dial option 3, extension 1009667.

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.

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Niagara

Rocks Thrown At Vehicles – Ammar AL-ZUBAIDI Arrested

(NIAGARA, ON) – One individual has been charged in connection with incidents in which police believe rocks were thrown at moving vehicles in the Niagara Region.

Between June and August 2025, the Niagara Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received multiple reports of rocks being deliberately thrown at moving vehicles from the side of the road or from overpasses.

Incidents were reported in the following areas:

-Highway 406 between Westchester Ave and Fourth Ave, St Catharines.

-QEW near Mountain Rd, Niagara Falls.

-Highway 58 near Pine St, Thorold.

As a result of the investigation, Ammar AL-ZUBAIDI a 48 year-old male from St Catharines was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

• Mischief Endangering Life – nine counts

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in St Catharines on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

The investigation is being conducted by the Niagara OPP, with the assistance of the OPP Highway Safety Division Crime Unit, in coordination with Niagara Regional Police.

Anyone with any information in relation to the investigation is asked to contact the Niagara OPP at 905-356-1311 or 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000

The OPP would like to thank members of the public for their continued support and for providing valuable information, including dashcam footage, that assisted this investigation.

The OPP would like to advise the public to please exercise caution when driving in these areas and call 911 immediately if your vehicle is struck or if you observe rocks being thrown.

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Niagara OPP Police Press Releases

Million Dollar Weed & Tobacco Bust

(NIAGARA, ON) – Six illegal cannabis storefronts have been closed after enforcement action by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) in Niagara and the surrounding area. The illegal cannabis products and contraband tobacco seized have a value of approximately $1 million.

On June 5, 2024, members from the OPP-led PJFCET, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, with assistance from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) uniform members and NRPS Emergency Task Unit members, executed nine search warrants in the Niagara area, with a focus on shutting down six storefronts operating illegally under the name “Indige Smoke” located in Hamilton, Fort Erie, Thorold, Welland, St. Catharines and Leamington. “Indige Smoke” was not authorized by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to sell cannabis or cannabis products. These illegal storefronts will be held under Interim Closure Orders as per section 18(1) of the Cannabis Control Act (CCA).

Persons with interest in any of the locations (including owners) who wish to enter these premises may apply to the Superior Court of Justice to get permission under section 18(4) of the CCA. Anyone who enters the buildings that are subject to interim closure may be arrested and charged with Break and Enter, under section 348(1) of the Criminal Code (CC). 

As a result of the search warrants, the following items were seized:

  • More than $640,000 in illegal cannabis and illegal cannabis products
  • More than $350,000 in contraband tobacco
  • Approximately $29,000 CAD currency
  • Three handguns
  • One shotgun
  • Ammunition
  • Approximately two ounces of suspected cocaine
  • Digital scales
  • Computers
  • Cell phones
  • Video surveillance systems

Eleven individuals were arrested and charged with 34 offences contrary to the CC, the Cannabis Act and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Please refer to the Addendum of Charged Persons for a full list. The accused were released from custody and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on July 18, 2024.

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Niagara OPP Police Press Releases WFP

OPP Seize $8,000,000 In Weed: Trudeau & Ford Weren’t Getting A Cut #FillOutYourPaperWork

(NIAGARA, ON) – A search warrant conducted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) has resulted in the seizure of cannabis plants with a potential street value of approximately $8 million.

This investigation began after police became aware of a strong cannabis odour emitting from what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse located on Don Murie Street in Niagara Falls.

Upon executing the search warrant on April 17, 2024, the following items were seized:

  • More than 2,500 clone cannabis plants
  • More than 13,000 vegetative and mature budding cannabis plants

As a result of this investigation, the following individuals have been charged under the Cannabis Act with Production- Cultivate Cannabis Without Authorization:

  • Chamrong LADADAS, 49 of no fixed address
  • Arthit SEESAI, 31 of no fixed address
  • Xueqi GAO, 59 of no fixed address
  • Jeffrey LIAN, 41 of no fixed address
  • Li Cheng FENG, 58 of no fixed address
  •  Wen Guang ZHENG, 66 of Markham

The suspects were released from custody and will appear before an Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on May 30, 2024.

This investigation was supported by:

  • OPP West Region Emergency Response Team
  • OPP Urban Search and Rescue, Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear and Explosive Response Team
  • OPP-led Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit
  • Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS)

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with any information about the production of unauthorized or illegal cannabis is urged to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or to visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

About PJFCET

The PJFCET is an OPP-led joint forces operation that includes members of the Barrie Police Service, NRPS, Durham Regional Police Service, Coburg Police Service, London Police Service and Windsor Police Service. The PJFCET’s role is to enforce and investigate illicit cannabis incidents and focus on the apprehension of those who produce, sell, distribute, import/export and use cannabis outside of the parameters of the law.

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Niagara OPP Police Press Releases

Police Close 3 Business and Confiscate $230,000 In Weed – “Government” Wasn’t Getting A Cut

(NIAGARA REGION, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) seized illicit cannabis and contraband tobacco products with a potential street value of more than $230,000, resulting in the closure of three illegal storefronts in the Niagara Region.

On March 7, 2024, PJFCET executed three search warrants in the City of Thorold, the City of Welland and the Town of Fort Erie, on storefronts that were not authorized by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO) to sell cannabis or cannabis products.

As a result of the search warrants, police seized approximately:

  • 91.5 kilograms of dried cannabis
  • 695 pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes
  • 720 grams of cannabis extract
  • 2,065 packages of cannabis edibles
  • 915 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vape pens
  • two kilograms of hashish
  • 173,800 tobacco cigarettes
  • 420 tobacco cigars
  • cell phones, computers and other electronics
  • $4,700 in Canadian currency

Three people have been arrested and charged contrary to the CC, and the Cannabis Act (CA).

Nikola GARALEJIC, age 26, of Niagara Falls, has been charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime, section 354(1)(a) CC
  • Trafficking contraband tobacco, section 121.1 CC
  • Possess cannabis for the purpose of selling, section 10(2) CA

Anoop RARICHAN, age 28, of Thorold, has been charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime, section 354(1)(a) CC
  • Trafficking contraband tobacco, section 121.1 CC
  • Possess cannabis for the purpose of selling, section 10(2) CA

David SAULT, age 38, of Burford, has been charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime, section 354(1)(a) CC
  • Possess cannabis for the purpose of selling, section 10(2) CA

The accused have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in April 2024.

The investigation, which remains ongoing, was supported by the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) and the Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Team (CTET).

Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale of cannabis should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and ask to provide information to the PJFCET. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.