Fort Erie Male Arrested in Shooting Incident

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, at approximately 2:25 AM, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 5 District (Fort Erie) uniform officers responded to a shooting in the area of Niagara Boulevard and John Street in the Town of Fort Erie.

Upon arrival, responding officers located a bullet casing. It was determined that two adult males were involved in an altercation, and that the involved parties fled the scene in a vehicle prior to police arrival. There were no injuries in this incident.

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 7:45 PM, 5 District uniform officers located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, which resulted in the arrest of the suspect.

28-year-old Samuel SAWYER of Fort Erie is charged with the following criminal offences:

• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Discharge Firearm Being Reckless as to the Life/Safety of Others
• Possess Restricted Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a License

SAWYER remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.

5 District Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB) has taken carriage of the investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) at (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1009700.

Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

NRPS Incident 26-59118