NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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On June 13, 2021 at approximately 9:20 p.m., 2 District (Niagara Falls) uniform officers attended the area of Margaret Street and Caledonia Street in the City of Niagara Falls in response to an armed person call.
Investigation revealed that an off-duty Niagara Regional Police Service officer had observed a male walking away from his residence down Margaret Street to Caledonia Street. The male appeared to be carrying an assault rifle.
When the male had gotten to the intersection, he appeared to look in both directions to ascertain if there was a threat located in the area. The accused then turned around and returned back to his residence.
The Emergency Task Unit, K9, and uniform officers attended the scene and contained the area around the house. The male came outside voluntarily and surrendered to police.
David Macdonald (36 years old) of Niagara Falls was arrested and charged with the following offence:
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose contrary to section 88(1) of the Criminal Code
Macdonald was held in custody pending a bail hearing that is expected to take place on June 14, 2021.
On June 14, 2021, detectives with 2 District (Niagara Falls) executed a search warrant in the area of Margaret Street and Caledonia Street.
As a result, detectives seized one revolver style hand gun (airsoft), two semi-auto pistols (airsoft), one long gun (hunting style airsoft), one assault style rifle (airsoft), several edged weapons.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, ext. 1002200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Police are seeing an influx of airsoft rifles in the community. With the strong resemblance to actual firearms, police are treating these airsoft weapons as actual firearms when used inappropriately.
The public is reminded that although these are described as sophisticated air guns, they are not to be used/displayed in public.
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