NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In July of 2022 detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service 3 District Street Crime Unit commenced an investigation into the unlawful possession of a firearm by a male suspect in Port Colborne.
On July 26, 2022, investigators obtained a Criminal Code search warrant for a detached garage located at on Steele Street near Helen Street. The detached garage had been modified into a living area for the suspect.
With the assistance of the NRPS Emergency Task Unit, the warrant was executed on July 27, 2022, at 7:17 a.m. The suspect was located inside the garage and was subsequently arrested.
Upon a search of the garage, detectives located a loaded double barrel, sawed off CENTAURE 12-gauge shotgun on the living area floor. Detectives also located additional ammunition on scene.
A search of the suspect following his arrest found a prohibited switchblade knife tied to his belt.
Shane Andrew Thomson (51 years) of Port Colborne has been arrested and charged with the Criminal Code offences of:
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
- Careless storage of a prohibited firearm
- Possession prohibited firearm with ammunition
- Possession of prohibited weapon
Thomson was held in custody for a video bail hearing that took place at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse (59 Church St., St. Catharines) on July 28, 2022.
Anyone who may have information have information about this incident is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009015.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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