Youth Charged in Lakeside Park Disturbance

On Friday, May 22, 2026, at approximately 9:50 PM, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) uniform officers responded to Lakeside Park in the City of St Catharines for a disturbance.

Responding officers spoke with witnesses who reported observing several physical disturbances that occurred prior to police arrival. Witnesses reported that a male suspect had brandished a loaded firearm.  Officers located and arrested a male matching the description of the suspect. A black imitation firearm and bear spray were seized.

As a result of the investigation, a 15-year-old male is charged with the following criminal offences:

• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
• Carry Concealed Weapon

Under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada the NRPS is prohibited from releasing the identity of the youth charged in this matter.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1008873.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can 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 which leads to an arrest.

NRPS Incident 26-61854