UPDATE – ARREST – Shooting in Welland Second Street and Plymouth Road

The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Homicide Unit has assumed carriage of the investigation and has laid additional charges following a firearms-related incident that occurred in the City of Welland.

As a result of the continued investigation by the NRPS Homicide Unit, 59-year-old Daniel TRONKO has now been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

• Six counts of Attempted Murder with a Firearm – Section 239(1)(a)
• Six counts of Discharge of a Firearm with Intent – Section 244(1)
• Two counts of Reckless Discharge of a Firearm – Section 244.2
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm – Section 91(1)
• Two counts of Possession of a Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition – Section 95
• One count of Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammunition – Section 95
• Possession of a Prohibited Device – Section 91(2)
• Careless Use and Storage of Firearms – Section 86(1)

TRONKO was initially charged with the following offences following the incident:

• Attempted Murder
• Discharge Firearm with Intent
• Reckless Discharge of a Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

TRONKO was remanded in custody pending a future court appearance  (via video) on January 27, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1009451.

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.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

On Friday, December 19, 2025, at approximately 7:45 am, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 3 District (Welland/Pelham) uniform officers attended a residence on Second Street in the City of Welland to assist bylaw officers.

Upon arriving on scene, a male suspect opened fire on the responding officers, striking one officer in the chest. The officer was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. The male was identified as 59-year-old Daniel TRONKO.

A shelter in place orderorder was issued for public safety, and large perimeter was put into place. The Niagara Regional Police Service Emergency Task Unit (ETU) responded to the scene and were assisted by tactical units from Hamilton Police Service, Halton Regional Police Service, and Peel Regional Police Service.

Officers attempted to negotiate with TRONKO throughout the daytime and evening. At various points throughout the evening and overnight hours, police deployed tactical operations in which they sent remote cameras into the residence. In all instances, the remote cameras were fired upon by TRONKO and disabled, demonstrating a disregard for public and officer safety.

At approximately 7:25 am, TRONKO was arrested for Attempt Murder by members of the NRPS ETU, with further criminal charges pending further investigation. TRONKO was transported to an out-of-region hospital by Niagara Emergency Medical Services (NEMS). There are no further injuries to any officer or member of the public.

The shelter in place has been lifted, and there is no on-going risk to public safety.

“This incident was resolved safely as a result of the professionalism and coordinated efforts of our members” said Chief of Police Bill Fordy.  “Their actions prioritized the safety of the community, those involved, and one another, and reflect the high standards that our Service and partners bring to complex and high-risk situations.

I would like to thank all police officers and members who were engaged in this incident, as well as the police leaders, elected officials, and community members that sent messages of support to our team and the involved members.”

All road closures have been lifted. The Niagara Regional Police Service would like to thank the public for their cooperation and patience in this matter.

The Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked their mandate, and no further information can be provided with regards to the circumstances around the shooting.