NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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On Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 4:45 p.m., 2 District – Niagara Falls uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) attended the Chippawa Lions Park located at 3970 Welland St. in Niagara Falls in response to a weapons complaint.
The initial investigation determined that a group of teens had been in the park when a verbal argument developed. The argument escalated to violence when [it is alleged that] a male teen brandished a replica handgun and fired it in excess of 10 times at another male teen. After the teen was hit by the BBs, he was then punched and kicked by the shooter and a third male teen.
The victim, a 16-year-old male, was treated at the scene by Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedics and transported to a local hospital. He does not have any life-threatening injures.
The investigation was assigned to detectives from the 2 District detective office. The scene was also processed by detectives from the NRPS Forensic Services Unit.
On April 10, 2021, the male suspect who [allegedly] shot the replica handgun was arrested. The 16-year-old male from Niagara Falls was arrested and charged with the offences of:
• Discharge air gun or pistol with intent - S. 244.1(a) CC
• Assault - S. 266 CC
On April 11, 2021, the second male suspect who was [allegedly] involved in the assault of the victim following the shooting incident was arrested. The 15-year-old male from Niagara Falls was arrested and charged with the offence of:
• Assault - S. 266 CC
The youths were both released from custody on Form 10 Undertakings with future Court dates.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada prohibits the NRPS from identifying the two arrested and charged youths as they are under 18 years of age.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, ext. 10009496.
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