Police say an incident in a parking lot this afternoon led to a standoff at a nearby home that was resolved with the help of crisis negotiators.
Niagara Regional Police said at around 2:50 p.m., 3 District (Welland / Pelham) uniform officers responded to a report of an armed man in Welland.
Officers spoke with a female victim with minor injuries and it was determined the victim had been walking when struck by an unknown male driver in a parking lot at a shopping plaza on Lincoln Street near Coventry Road.
The suspect fled the scene to a house on State Street.
It was there that a witness followed the suspect and was threatened with a knife, police said in a news release.
When officers attended the State Street residence the suspect exited the house, threatening officers with a knife and a bat, according to police.
The suspect then re-entered the house and brandished a gun at officers, police allege.
Uniform officers contained the residence and called in the emergency task force unit, crisis negotiators and the canine unit.
Nearby roads were closed out of concern for public safety, police said. Police also evacuated homes in the immediate vicinity.
After speaking with crisis negotiators, the suspect surrendered to police and was arrested at 4:10 p.m.
James Hellam, 38, of Welland has been arrested and charged with:
- Assault with a Weapon x3
- Utter a Death Threat x2
- Firearms offences
Hellam was held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on May 6.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Hellam is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
Further charges are anticipated as a result of the investigation, police say.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigating officers at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1023300.
