One Male Arrested During Home Invasion in St. Catharines - Four More Suspects Outstanding

Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) are actively investigating a home invasion robbery that occurred on March 13, 2026, at approximately 3:50 a.m., in the area of Lake Street and Welland Avenue in the City of St. Catharines.

Five masked suspects armed with firearms arrived in a stolen vehicle (a white Acura TLX stolen from the City of Mississauga).

Four of the suspects forced entry into the residence and stole personal possessions from the victims.  The fifth suspect remained in the stolen vehicle.

Officers arrived within minutes and intercepted the suspects fleeing.  The suspect who remained in the stolen motor vehicle rammed two police cruisers, while the other suspects fled on foot.  The suspect from the vehicle was arrested on scene.

18-year-old Joshua BALKARAN of Elmira has been charged with the following offences.

• Robbery with a Firearm x4
• Forcible Confinement x4
• Break and Enter Dwelling House x2
• Disguised with Intent
• Possession of a Dangerous Weapon
• Mischief Over $5000
• Mischief Under $5000
• Dangerous Operation
• Flight From Peace Officer
• Assault a Peace Officer with a Weapon
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

BALKARAN was held in custody and attended a bail hearing Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.

The occupants of the apartment were not injured, nor were any responding officers.

Detectives believe this to be a targeted incident and there is no ongoing risk to the safety of the public.

Four suspects remain outstanding and were captured on CCTV fleeing westbound on foot near Welland Avenue and Lake Street.

Detectives are asking for anyone in the area at the time of the offence who may have video or dashcam footage of the vehicle or suspects to contact them at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009222.

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-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

NRPS Incident 26-30328