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As a result of information surrounding the involvement of a firearm, 3 District’s Criminal Investigative Branch assumed carriage of the investigation. Judicial authorization was sought, and a search warrant was obtained. On May 6, 2024, the search warrant was executed at the State Street residence where detectives seized a replica firearm, knife, baseball bat and a bolt action .22 rifle.

James HELLAM (38 years) of Welland was arrested and charged with the additional Criminal Code offences:

  • Assault with a Weapon (2 Counts)
  • Dangerous Operation (1 Count)
  • Failure to Stop after Accident (1 Count)
  • Uttering Threats (2 Counts)
  • Assault a Peace Officer with a Weapon (2 Counts)
  • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (1 Count)
  • Careless use of a Firearm (1 Count)
  • Possession of a Firearm knowing Possession is Unauthorized (1 count)

The scene has since been released and nearby roads reopened.

On May 6, 2024, HELLAM as held in custody for a video bail hearing at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines where he was remanded into custody.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1023300.

24-45974

 

Original Release – May 5, 2024

On May 5, 2024, at 2:49PM 3 District (Welland / Pelham) uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) responded to a report of an armed person in Welland.  

Officers met with a female victim with minor injuries.  The initial investigation determined that the victim had been walking when struck by an unknown male driver in a parking lot.  Theincident occurred at a shopping plaza on Lincoln Street near Coventry Road.  The suspect fled the scene to a house on State Street.  A witness followed the suspect and was threatened with a knife.

When officers attended the State Street residence the suspect exited the house threatening officers with a knife and a bat.  The suspect re-entered the house and brandished a gun at officers.  Uniform officers contained the residence and requested the attendance of the Emergency Task Unit, Crisis Negotiators and the K9 Unit.  Out of a concern for public safety the nearby roads were closed.  Officers also evacuated homes in the immediate vicinity.   

After speaking with Crisis Negotiators, the suspect surrendered to officers and was arrested at 4:10PM.