UPDATE: Two Teens and Two Men Charged After Kidnapping

Police say 4 suspects tried to kidnap a second teenager in Wainfleet

Update - March 2nd, 2023, 5:37 p.m.

Police say a fourth suspect has been arrested. 

An 18 year old man from St. Catharines has been charged with the following offences: 

• Kidnapping – Contrary to Section 279(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Use of Firearm During the Commission of an Offence – Contrary to Section 85(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Attempt to Commit and Indictable Offence (Kidnapping) – Contrary to Section 463(a) of the Criminal Code
• Use of Firearm while Attempting to Commit Offence – Contrary to Section 85(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
• Careless Use of a Firearm – Contrary to Section 86(1) of the Criminal Code
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle – Contrary to Section 94(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a Firearm without Holding Authorization – Contrary to Section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose – Contrary to Section 88(1) of the Criminal Code
• Assault with a Weapon – Contrary to Section 267(a) of the Criminal Code (2 Counts)
• Pointing a Firearm – Contrary to Section 87(1) of the Criminal Code (2 Counts)

His identity is not being released, as it may lead to the identities of the two younger suspects. 

The accused is in custody, pending a bail hearing scheduled for tomorrow. 

Detectives maintain this was a targeted incident, and there is no threat to public safety. 

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (905) 688-4111 option 3, extension 1009318.

Original Story - March 1st, 2023

Two 16-year-old boys, and a 20-year-old man face charges after a kidnapping in Wainfleet.

Niagara police say they were called late yesterday afternoon to a home in the Concession Road 6 and Wellandport Road area, to find a teenaged boy had been taken against his will by four suspects, and driven to another home. 

It was there the suspects, armed with guns and knives, tried to kidnap another teenaged boy.

During the altercation at least one shot was fired.  Police add the suspects became stranded in their vehicle after it became stuck in a ditch.

No one at the house was hurt.

Police arrested one of the suspects near the scene, and with the help of the Niagara K9 unit, and helicopter from provincial police, two more were arrested around 7pm.  During this time, police asked area residents to stay indoors out of an abundance of caution. 

Police add they unfortunately were not able to find the 4th suspect despite a 4.5 hour search.  The shelter in place was lifted just before 1am.

The 16-year-old boys, one from Pelham and the other from Niagara Falls, both face a number of charges, including kidnapping and use of a gun during an offence.

A 20-year-old man from St. Catharines is facing the same.  To protect the identities of the teenaged offenders, due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the name of the 20-year-old will not be released due to their association that could lead to an identification.  Police add they believe this was a targeted crime, and there is no more threat to the community.

All three remain in custody waiting for a video bail hearing today in St. Catharines.

Police also thank the Wainfleet community for their patience during this time.