NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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On Sept. 24, 2021 at approximately 3 a.m., 5 District Fort Erie uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) were called to the Peace Bridge by members of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) after three individuals had been arrested.
Officers attended and their initial investigation determined that at approximately 11 p.m., two men and a woman attempted to enter Canada driving a Dodge Grand Caravan. The van was referred for further inspection by CBSA officers, during which a firearm, two imitation firearms and suspected drugs were found. The two men and woman were arrested.
5 District uniform officers continued the arrest by the CBSA officers. NRPS 5 District detectives have now taken over the investigation.
Matthew Brian Mailhot (34 years old) of Fort Erie has been arrested and charged with the alleged criminal offences of:
• unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm knowing it's not authorized
• unauthorized importation of a prohibited firearm knowing it's not authorized
• unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
• unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm knowing it's not authorized
• possess schedule I substance (fentanyl)
• fail to comply with release order (two counts)
Courtney Alford Reid (45 years old) of Hamilton has been arrested and charged with the alleged criminal offences of:
• unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm knowing it's not authorized
• unauthorized importation of a prohibited firearm knowing it's not authorized
• unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
• unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm knowing it's not authorized
• fail to comply with release order (two counts)
Kristy Fisher (38 years old) of Hamilton has been arrested and charged with the alleged criminal offences of:
• unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm knowing it's not authorized
• unauthorized importation of a prohibited firearm knowing it's not authorized
• unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
• unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm knowing it's not authorized
The accused parties were held in custody to attend a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on Sept. 27, 2021.
The route and movement of the van prior to presenting for entry into Canada remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident can call 905-688-4111, ext. 1022300.
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