Armed robbery in Fort Erie, stabbing in Niagara Falls leads to three arrests; fourth suspect sought

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On Nov. 30, 2021, at approximately 2:55 a.m., 2 District – Niagara Falls uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) were called to the Niagara Falls hospital for a report of a stabbing.

Officers attended and spoke with a male victim (in his 30s) and a female victim (in her 40s). The male victim was being treated for serious stab wounds and injuries related to an assault.

The initial investigation determined that on Nov. 29, 2021, at approximately 10 p.m., the male and female victims had been at a bar in Fort Erie and accepted a ride back to Niagara Falls from a male acquaintance. The acquaintance unexpectedly stopped at a parking area along the Niagara Parkway near Thompson Road in Fort Erie. Waiting in the parking lot was four persons (three men and a woman). While in the parking lot a male suspect pointed a firearm at the victims and demanded money. The male victim was struck with the firearm and physically beaten.

The victims were then driven to the area of Lundy’s Lane and Kalar Road in Niagara Falls. The victims were allowed to exit the vehicle. While collecting their belongings one of the suspects stabbed the male victim multiple times. The victims fled the area and later attended the hospital on their own.

The investigation was then assigned to 2 District detectives. They were assisted by the NRPS Forensics Unit.

As a result of the investigation multiple arrests have been made.

Michael C. Nayler (42 years) of Fort Erie has been arrested and charged with the criminal offences of:

• Robbery with firearm Sec. 344(1)(a) CC (2 Counts)
• Aggravated assault Sec. 268(1) CC

Yvon Joseph Bertrand (51 years) of Fort Erie has been arrested and charged with the criminal offences of:

• Point firearm Sec. 87(1) CC (2 Counts)
• Robbery with firearm Sec. 344(1)(a) CC (2 Counts)

Dustin Murray Delange (37 years) of no fixed address has been arrested and charged with the criminal offences of:

• Robbery with Firearm Sec. 344(1)(a) CC (2 Counts)

Lori Johns (51 years) of Fort Erie has been arrested and charged with the criminal offences of:

• Robbery with firearm Sec. 344(1)(a) CC (2 Counts)

All four were held in custody for a video bail hearing at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on Dec. 1, 2021.

An arrest warrant is being sought for Michael Elliot Stapleton (42 years) of Fort Erie.  As a result of his role in this incident Stapleton is wanted for the criminal offences of:

• Robbery with firearm Sec. 344(1)(a) CC (2 Counts)

Stapleton’s current location is unknown. If a member of the public recognizes or knows the location of Stapleton they are asked not to confront him and to call the police. 

Stapleton is described as:

• White male
• 5’8 feet tall, 285 pounds, heavy build
• Brown short hair
• Brown unshaven facial hair
• Blue eyes
• Tattoos
  • Neck – designs
  • Right Forearm “Dakota”
  • Left Upper Arm – The Joker

Anyone who may have information about this investigation is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, extension 1009535.

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.

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