Niagara Regional Police are investigating a theft from a store in Niagara Falls on Monday that they say led to an officer being assaulted.
Shortly after 7 p.m., a 2 District (Niagara Falls / Niagara on the Lake) uniform officer responded to Lundy’s Lane in the area of Glenholme Avenue for a report of an armed person call related to a theft from a business.
Police had received information that the suspect claimed to have weapons – a gun and knife. The suspect was allegedly threatening and violently resisting and assaulting store staff, police said in a news release.
When the NRPS officer arrived, he found the suspect violently struggling to escape from two store employees, police say.
As the officer continued the arrest of the suspect, the suspect spat in the officer’s face, police allege.
Police also say that as the suspect was being transported to the NRPS Prisoner Management Unit he repeatedly kicked the interior of the police cruiser causing damage.
NRPS investigation determined the incident began when the suspect selected snack food valued at $10 from a shelf and attempted to leave the store without paying.
The suspect was confronted by store staff, and he threatened violence.
Store employees received minor injuries.
Kevin Tomas Matthews, 31, of Lanark, Ont., was arrested and charged with:
- Theft Under $5,000
- Uttering Threats (2 Counts)
- Assault (2 Counts)
- Assault a Peace Officer
- Mischief Over $5,000
Matthews was held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on March 12.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Matthews is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
Police said anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact investigating officers at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1022200.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers online or call 1-800-222-8477.
