On Monday, September 29, 2025, officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) were called to the Richard Pierpoint Park on Oakdale Avenue near Gale Crescent in St. Catharines, following reports of a male of who was armed with a handgun and in possession fentanyl.
Officers quickly arrived on scene and located the suspect male. Investigation determined the male was not in possession of a handgun, however, the male was found to be in possession of a large quantity of illegal narcotics and property consistent with drug trafficking.
As a result, Trevor BENTZ (33 years old, of no fixed abode) was arrested and charged with the following offences.
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)
Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Hydromorphone)
Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Under $5000
Police seized the following items.
105.4 grams of suspected fentanyl
247 suspected Dilaudid pills (Hydromorphone)
$2646 in Canadian currency
BENTZ remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service’s 1District (St. Catharines/Thorold) at 905-688-4111.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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:
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.
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 custodyand 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.
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.
During the summer of 2025, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Street Crime Unit (SCU) commenced an investigation into the trafficking of controlled substances in the City of Niagara Falls.
On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, detectives received judicial authorization to execute a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residential address in Niagara Falls.
As a result of the investigation police arrested two individuals and seized the following:
111.6 grams of fentanyl
198 pills of hydromorphone
14.5 grams of cocaine
A conducted energy weapon
Nunchaku
$1380 of Canadian currency
$360 of United States currency
Anna CIRILLO (45 years) of Niagara Falls has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon (2 counts)
Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking (2 counts)
Possession of Hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (2 counts)
Beau MERKEL (47 years) of Niagara Falls has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon (2 counts)
Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking (2 counts)
Possession of Hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (2 counts)
CIRILLO and MERKEL were held in custody for a bail hearing, which is set to take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
In addition, two other individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants with the Niagara Regional Police Service.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009667.
Members of the community 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 people who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at approximately 9:10 p.m. uniform members of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) responded to a Niagara Falls address for a belated sexual assault call for service.
The initial investigation determined that a female youth was approached by an adult male while walking in the area of Geneva Street and North Service Road in St. Catharines. Due to the circumstances of the interaction the investigation was assigned to the NRPS Child Abuse Unit.
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, detectives arrested Achraf GHALIL, a 27-year-old St. Catharines resident, and charged him with the following Criminal Code offences:
Sexual Assault
Sexual Interference with a Person Under 16 Years of Age
Invitation to Sexual Touching Under 16 Years of Age
Luring a Child to Commit Sexual Assault
GHALIL remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing Wednesday, August 20, 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 1008430.
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.
Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have been actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting that occurred on April 27, 2025.
As a result of the investigation detectives identified two individuals responsible for the shooting.
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, judicial authorization was granted and 1 District Detectives, with the assistance of 1 District Street Crime Unit (SCU) executed search warrants at two residential address’ in St. Catharines. LeBron SAMUELS (21 years) of St. Catharines was arrested and found to be in possession of a firearm (handgun) and ammunition. As a result of the arrest, Samuels faces the following criminal charges:
Possession of a loaded firearm
Possession of a firearm without holding a licence
Possession of a restricted/ prohibited firearm
Carry concealed weapon
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Careless use/storage of firearm
As a result of the April 27, 2025, shooting, Samuels faces the following criminal charges:
Aggravated assault
Discharge firearm with intent
Possession of a loaded firearm
Possession of a firearm without holding a licence
Careless use of firearm
Carry concealed weapon
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Assault
Fail to comply with probation
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, judicial authorization was granted and 1 District Detectives, with the assistance of Barrie Police Service’s Street Crime Unit and Tactical Support Unit executed a search warrant at a residential address in Barrie. Taeshawn JOSEPH (18 years) of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
Aggravated assault
Discharge firearm with intent
Possession of a loaded firearm
Possession of a firearm without holding a licence
Careless use of firearm
Carry concealed weapon
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Assault
SAMUELS was held in custody and attended a bail hearing, that took place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines where he was remanded into custody.
JOSEPH is being held in custody pending a bail hearing, which is expected to take place Friday, May 23, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
This investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009222.
Members of the community 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 people who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
In January of 2025, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) began an investigation into a sexual assault that occurred in the City of St. Catharines.
Investigation revealed that a female and male met via an online dating app.
As a result of the investigation, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, Jeffrey BATTLE (20 years) of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
– Sexual Assault
– Overcome Resistance by Attempting to Choke
Anyone with further information related to this incident is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, ext. 1009535.
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.
In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service will be reporting the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region.
In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension.
The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 80 mgs or above of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample.
Dakota J. REID, 30 years, Thorold
Roy C. TOMLINSON, 39 years, St Catharines
Andrew FALING, 33 years, Niagara Falls NY
Spencer M. DEBEERS, 23 years, Rochester NY
Teresita D. CAMACHO FLORES, 36 years, Niagara Falls
Anthony MACIAS, 38 years, Las Vegas NV
The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like R.I.D.E. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and affects thousands of lives every year.
On August 3, 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Street Crime Unit received judicial authorization to execute a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a motel in Niagara Falls.
Upon execution of the search warrant police located a silver Ruger .22 Long Rifle Mark II target handgun with the serial number scratched off. The firearm was subsequently seized and sent to the Centre of Forensic Science by the NRPS Forensic Services Unit for DNA analysis.
On January 22, 2025, a DNA profile was extracted from the Ruger handgun and a male suspect was identified. On Monday, February 24, 2025, uniform members arrested Mohammad Daysir AL SHABO (19 years) and charged him with the following Criminal Code offence:
– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
AL SHABO was held in custody and is scheduled to attend the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
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.
In February 2022, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children over a social media platform.
On February 20, 2025, Detectives from Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit and Technological Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a private residence in Thorold and seized numerous digital devices capable of storing electronic data. Tayjhon Aquon WILLIAMS HAMILTON (24 years) was arrested and is now facing the following charges:
Possession of Child Pornography x 3
Accessing Child Pornography x 2
Making Child Pornography Available x 2
Tayjhon Aquon WILLIAMS HAMILTON was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on February 21, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
Online platforms that allow like-minded users to engage with minors, create, share, and store Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are prevalent on the Internet. Offenders who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on different platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.
In January 2025, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit commenced a joint investigation with the Brantford Police Service into the sexual exploitation of children over a social media platform.
On February 15, 2025, Detectives from Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit and Technological Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a private residence in Welland and seized numerous digital devices capable of storing electronic data. Jordan R. GAUTHIER (41 years) was arrested and is now facing the following charges:
• Possession of Child Pornography x 2
• Accessing Child Pornography
• Making Child Pornography Available
Jordan R. GAUTHIER was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on February 16, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
Online platforms that allow like-minded users to engage with minors, create, share, and store Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are prevalent on the Internet. Offenders who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on different platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.
For more information on how parents and guardians can keep children safe online CLICK HERE
The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with Ontario Police Services and International Partners. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, at approximately 12:50am, 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service attended the area of Glendale Avenue and Welland Canals Parkway in the City of St. Catharines for a motor vehicle collision with fatal injuries.
Investigation revealed a 24-year-old male was operating a silver Toyota Supra and is alleged to have been travelling at a high rate of speed, lost control, and collided with a building. Tragically, the driver of that vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation remains on going by detectives with the Collision Reconstruction Unit with the Niagara Regional Police Service.
Anyone with information, anyone with video footage, or anyone with dash camera footage is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3. ext. 1009367.
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.
In February 2024, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit began investigation into Child Pornography offences committed over Instagram.
On January 30, 2025, ICE Unit detectives along with the Technological Crimes Unit detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of St Catharines. As a result of theinvestigation, several digital devices suspected to have been used in the commission of the offences were seized and William Genaro ARGUETA (34-years) of St Catharines was arrested and is now facing the following Criminal Code charges:
• Possession of Child Pornography X2
• Accessing Child Pornography
• Making Child Pornography Available
ARGUETA was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on January 31, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St Catharines.
Detectives believe that ARGUETA went online using variations of the username “random b0y” such as, “random.b0y”, “randomxb0y04”.
Online platforms that allow like-minded users to engage with minors, create, share, and store Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are prevalent on the Internet. Offenders who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on different platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.
For more information on how parents and guardians can keep children safe online CLICK HERE
The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with Ontario Police Services and International Partners. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
On January 10, 2025, detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service Child Abuse Unit (CAU) began an investigation regarding an alleged assault of a student at a St. Catharines school.
The initial investigation determined that on December 17, 2024, the victim (a child under 9 years old) was involved in a disturbance in a classroom at St. Alfred School on Vine Street in St. Catharines.
The victim was physically removed from the classroom by two educational assistants to another room in the school. Once there, one of the educational assistants physically assaulted the child. The child was then assaulted with a weapon (blanket) by the same educational assistant.
The child was not physically injured. The age and gender of the victim are not being released in order to protect their identity.
On January 24, 2025, detectives arrested and charged Adam Martynek (28 years old) of St. Catharines with the Criminal Code offences of:
Assault
Assault with a Weapon
Martynek was held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on January 24, 2025.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1008430.
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.
