Skip to content

Accused in Welland Canal crash turns himself in

Investigation began on January 21 after a vehicle drove into the Welland Canal in St. Catharines
Welland canal crash
Towing crews working on the site of an accident on January 21, 2020. Ludvig Drevfjall/Thorold News

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
******************************
Update 2 – Feb. 3, 2020
On Feb. 2, 2020, Aaron Corey Brown surrendered himself to officers at the Niagara Regional Police Service, 2 District office in Niagara Falls.

He was held for a bail hearing in relation to this incident. He remains in custody. His next court date is Feb. 6, 2020 at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines. 

Update 1 – Jan. 29, 2020
As a result of the ongoing investigation into this matter by uniform officers from the 1 District – St. Catharines office of the Niagara Regional Police Service a warrant has been issued for the driver.

Arron Corey Brown (23 years old) of no fixed address is wanted for the alleged Criminal Code of Canada offences of:

  • Dangerous operation cause bodily harm - 320.13(2) CC (two counts)
  • Fail to stop resulting in bodily harm - 320.16(2) CC (two counts)

Brown's current location is unknown. He is known to have close ties to Fort Erie. Anyone who may know the location of Brown is asked to call the police or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara.

Original release – Jan. 21, 2020
On Jan. 21, 2020 at approximately 2:15 a.m., Police, Fire and EMS responded of Glendale Avenue and the Welland Canals Parkway in regards to a motor vehicle collision in which the involved vehicle entered the Welland Canal. A member of the public had contacted 911.

The investigation has determined that a blue 2009 Audi four-door A4 Avant was travelling east bound along Glendale Avenue. The Audi struck a tree before entering the drained canal and coming to a stop in approximately three feet of water. This portion of the canal had been drained / lowered weeks ago.

The Audi is believed to have contained six occupants. The occupants were all able to exit the Audi on their own. The suspected driver of the Audi fled the scene on foot.

K9 attended to conduct a track with negative results.

The Audi involved in this matter was totalled having sustained approximately $20,000 in damage.

One male in his 20s with serious injuries has been transported to an out of region trauma centre. The remaining male passengers in their 20s were treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital.

Anyone who may have seen a similar vehicle with multiple occupants in St. Catharines near the time of this incident is asked to contact the police at 905-688-4111, ext. 4233.

The collision remains under investigation by uniform officers from our St. Catharines office.

******************************