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Police seize weapons, suspected fentanyl during threat call in Niagara Falls (3 photos)

Police say one man allegedly threatened to shoot another; one faces multiple charges as a result, police seeking second suspect
ThoroldToday Staff

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On Friday Nov. 19, 2021, members of both #2 District - Niagara Falls uniform patrol and the Detective Services Unit commenced an investigation into an alleged threats call where a male threatened to shoot another male.

As a result of the investigation, Detectives sought and were subsequently granted a search warrant for a Niagara Falls motel.

The search yielded a 9mm Glock pistol, 15 rounds of ammunition, fentanyl with a street value of $12400 as well as $1600 in Canadian currency.

Chessen Anthony Johnston (26 years) of no fixed address has been arrested and charged with the criminal offences of:

  • Uttering Threats, contrary to section 264.1(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Possess a firearm knowing the serial number has been tampered with, contrary to section 108(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
  • Unlawful Possession of Firearm without Holding a Licence, contrary to section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Careless Storage of Firearm, contrary to section 86(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device, contrary to section 91(2) of the Criminal Code
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking to wit Fentanyl, contrary to section 5(2) CDSA
  • Possession of Proceeds under $5000, contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code
  • Firearm Contrary to Order, contrary to section 117.01(1) of the Criminal Code

Johnston was held pending a morning video bail appearance on Saturday Nov. 20, 2021.

Investigators have also identified a second suspect.   

Tameshwar Hitarain (21 years) of Mississauga is wanted for the criminal offences of:

  • Point Firearm, contrary to section 87(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Possess a firearm knowing the serial number has been tampered with, contrary to section 108(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
  • Unlawful Possession of Firearm without Holding a Licence, contrary to section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Careless Storage of Firearm, contrary to section 86(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device, contrary to section 91(2) of the Criminal Code
  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking to wit Fentanyl, contrary to section 5(2) CDSA
  • Possession of Proceeds under $5000, contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code

An arrest warrant has been issued for Hitarain. More information (including photo) about Hitarain will be released when it becomes available.

Anyone who may have information about this incident or may know of Hitarain's location can contact detectives at 905-688-4111, extension 1022200.

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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