UPDATE 1 - ARREST - Suspect Sought After Shooting Incident in Niagara Falls

On Tuesday July 12, 2022, 2 District (Niagara Falls) Uniform officers were called to a business in the area of Dorchester Road and Thorold Stone Road in the City of Niagara Falls following the report of a disturbance.

When officers arrived, they identified the male as the alleged suspect in the pellet gun incident on July 9, 2022.

A search warrant of the suspect’s residence then located the weapon believed to have been involved in the incident.

As a result of further investigation, 19-year-old Joshua Levesque of Niagara Falls is facing the following charges:

- Discharge Air Gun or Pistol with Intent, contrary to Section 244.1(b) of the Criminal Code

- Discharge Firearm Being Reckless as to the Life or Safety, contrary to Section 244.2(3) of the Criminal Code

- Possession of a Weapon, contrary to Section 88(1) of the Criminal Code

- Uttering Threats, Contrary to Section 264.1(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

Levesque is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing on Wednesday July 13, 2022, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, dial option 3, extension #1009494.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to 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 that leads to an arrest.

ORIGINAL RELEASE – July 10, 2022

On July 9th, 2022, at 8:32pm Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls / Niagara-on-the-Lake) responded to the area of Lundy’s Lane and Garner Road, in the City of Niagara Falls for reports of a shooting that just occurred.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound. Niagara Emergency Medical Service (NEMS) paramedics who were assisted by members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department provided medical care on-scene. Ornge Air Ambulance attended and transported the adult female victim to an out-of-town trauma centre for advanced medical treatment. It was later determined the victim was struck with a ball-bearing (BB), believed to have been discharged from a black pistol style pellet gun. The victim has since been released from hospital and is continuing to recover from her injuries at home.

Images of the suspect have been obtained by detectives assigned to the 2 District Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB), who have assumed carriage of the investigation. Detectives are appealing to members of the public for assistance identifying the suspect who is described as follows:

- Male

- White

- 18 to 25 years of age

- Approximately 6’0” tall

- Black hair

- Wearing a white collared dress shirt

- Wearing black pants

- Wearing black shoes

- Believed to have numerous tattoos on left arm between the elbow and wrist

The suspect fled the scene East on Lundy’s Lane riding a black bicycle. Of note, the rear tire of the bicycle is distinctly different then the front tire which appears to have a white walled rim.

The suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous. Members of the public should not approach and are encouraged to contact 911 immediately.

Detectives are appealing to members of the public who may have been in the area at the time of the incident. Residents/businesses in the area with CCTV footage that captures Lundy’s Lane between Garner Road and Montrose Road, and motorists who were in the area with an operational dash camera, are encouraged to review their footage and contact the lead detective at 905-688-4111, option #3, extension #1009494.

Incident #22-75852