NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In May 2022, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to 5 District (Fort Erie) Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB), began investigating numerous mischief and arson complaints occurring on the west side of Fort Erie.
The suspect is alleged to have intentionally set fire to 8 mailboxes and 1 hay barn over the course of several weeks. The barn fire occurred on June 15, 2022, on a rural property located near the intersection of Ridgemount Road and Bertie Street, in the town of Fort Erie. The barn contained only hay and no persons or livestock were injured as a result. Damage from the fire is estimated to be approximately $50,000.
The suspect is also alleged to have criminally harassed a property owner, on a repeated basis, by engaging in harassing, threatening, and unwanted contact. Furthermore, the suspect is alleged to have left offensive messaging in 5 mailboxes, causing each of the independent property owners’ interruption to the lawful use and enjoyment of their property.
Chandler Ladd (25 years) of Fort Erie was arrested on June 23rd, 2022, and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Criminal harassment – threatening conduct
- Mischief x 5
- Arson x 9
Ladd was held for a bail hearing on June 24th, 2022, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Detective Constable Maguire at 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009339.
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.
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