NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On Sept. 22, 2021, at approximately 4:58 p.m., detectives with 3 District Street Crime, were in the area of Crowland Avenue and East Main Street, in the City of Welland. The detectives noticed an unknown male and an unknown female in and out of consciousness in a parked Hyundai in the parking lot of the 7-11 Convenience Store.
Detectives approached the vehicle, however during attempts to speak to the driver, the driver put the vehicle in gear. The Hyundai narrowly missed hitting the officers as it attempted to flee. The Hyundai fled the area through the parking lot, turning east bound on East Main Street at a high rate of speed, showing no regard for the safety of police and members of the public. As a result, the vehicle lost control at the intersection of East Main Street and Wellington Street, striking a pickup truck which was stopped at a red light. The 31-year-old male operating the pickup truck did not sustain any physical injuries.
The Hyundai continued over the boulevard near Niagara Battery and Tire and collided with an unoccupied black Ford Escape in the parking lot. The driver continued to operate the damaged Hyundai and then struck the brick wall of the building.
The driver and the passenger then fled from the Hyundai on foot. Officers were able to locate and place both persons under arrest.
Stephan Jones (32 years old) of Welland, was arrested and charged with the following offences of:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking Scheduled I Substance (Fentanyl)
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking Scheduled I Substance (Crystal Methamphetamine)
- Possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5000
- Impaired operation/conveyance
- Dangerous operation of motor vehicle
- Fail to stop at scene of an accident
- Failure or refusal to comply with demand
Jones was held in custody pending a bail hearing that is expected to take place on Sept. 23, 2021.
Breanne O’Neal (30 years old) of Welland, was arrested and charged with the following offences of:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking Scheduled I Substance (Fentanyl)
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking Scheduled I Substance (Crystal Methamphetamine)
- Possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5000
O’Neal was released on a Form 10 - Undertaking and is expected to appear in court at a later date.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, ext. 1002200.
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