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Thorold man tasered during altercation with police

Three officers received minor injuries during altercation at a Thorold building; 19-year-old man charged with assaulting a peace officer and resisting arrest
2021-04-05 Niagara Regional Police cruiser
Niagara Regional Police Service file photo

A 19-year-old Thorold man was tasered by police after he allegedly attacked officers inside a building yesterday.

"The male struggled violently as officers attempted to arrest him," says a news release from the Niagara Regional Police. "A conducted energy weapon (AKA Taser) was used by the officers which assisted in allowing the male to be arrested and handcuffed. The male continued to violently struggle with officers."

Sopuruchi Anyaele faces three charges of assaulting a peace officer and one charge of resisting arrest. Released from custody, he is due back in court on Jan. 17, 2023.

Below is the full news release from police:

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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On Nov. 6, 2022 at 5:14 p.m., the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) responded to a disturbance call in the City of Thorold.

When officers arrived on scene in the area of Merrittville Highway and Sir Isaac Brock Way, it was determined that an adult male was causing a disturbance inside a hallway of a building. Officers located the male, and while speaking with him [it is alleged that] he suddenly attacked the officers without warning, punching and pushing them. The male struggled violently as officers attempted to arrest him. A conducted energy weapon (AKA Taser) was used by the officers which assisted in allowing the male to be arrested and handcuffed. The male continued to violently struggle with officers.

The three officers involved received minor injuries.

Sopuruchi Anyaele (19 years) of Thorold has been arrested and charged with the criminal offences of:
    •    Assault a peace officer (three counts)
    •    Resist arrest

Anyaele was released on a Form 10 undertaking with a future court date of Jan. 17, 2023, at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1024233.

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