A Lincoln man was sprayed with an irritant in his driveway when he confronted a person trying to break into his car.
Niagara police responded to the assault a home on Dennis Avenue near Garden Gate Terrace, a news release stated.
An investigation determined that the complainant woke up to find a male in the driveway attempting to enter and steal from his car, the release added. The victim went outside and confronted the male suspect. A struggle ensued during which the unknown male began yelling. Three other unknown males came to his aid. One produced an irritant spray canister and at least two other males produced pistols and pointed them at the complainant.
The suspects with the pistols threatened to shoot and kill the complainant, the release said. The complainant was sprayed and recalls hearing sounds similar to airsoft pistols being fired. The complainant was not struck.
The suspects fled in an older, light-coloured, four-door sedan with a loud muffler. The sedan was last seen turning south onto Bartlett Road towards John Street.
The suspects are described as being four Black males, and at least one had an accent. The suspect males are believed to be 18-20 years old, approximately 5-foot-10 to six-feet tall. All the suspects were wearing dark clothing. The males concealed their identities wearing balaclavas or similar face and head coverings.
This incident is believed to be related to a group of three males observed walking through Lincoln and Grimsby neighbourhoods stealing from unlocked cars while armed with a handgun, the release continued.
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to not confront the suspects but instead to observe and immediately call the police (9-1-1). These suspects should be considered armed and dangerous, police said.
Anyone (residents or businesses) in the area (Allan Court, Adam Court, Garden Gate Terrace or Dennis Avenue) with closed circuit security cameras, doorbell video cameras, or dash cameras are asked to review their footage for suspicious activity for the period between 1-4:00 a.m. on July 26.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009386.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.
