Welland Man Charged in Fail to Remain Collision

On Saturday, January 3, 2026, at approximately 8:30 PM, uniformed officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 3 District (Welland/Pelham) responded to reports of a pedestrian struck on Thorold Road between Bridlewood Drive and Rose Avenue in Welland.

Officers arrived on scene and discovered that a pedestrian, who was walking a dog, had been struck and seriously injured.  That person was transported to an out-of-region hospital for treatment for which were originally considered life threatening injuries, however, has had their condition upgraded to stable with serious injuries.  The dog died on scene. 

The vehicle involved fled the scene, however investigation quickly led to the location of the vehicle and suspected driver.  44-year-old Sandev VARAICH of Welland was arrested and charged with the following offences.

• Fail to Stop at the Scene of an Accident-Causing Bodily Harm
• Impaired Operation-Causing Bodily Harm
• Impaired Operation – Exceed Blood Alcohol Concentration

The vehicle has been seized.

VARAICH was held in custody for a bail hearing which took place Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111.

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 26-1103