Police say one man has been arrested and a hold-and-secure at two nearby elementary schools has been lifted after a weapons call this morning at Niagara College in Welland.
Police said at approximately 10:13 a.m., 3 District (Welland/Fonthill) uniform officers responded to 100 Niagara College Blvd. after the college contacted the Niagara Regional Police Service regarding concerns of a male with a weapon.
"Out of an abundance of caution, Quaker Road Public School and Alexander Kuska Catholic Elementary School were advised to hold and secure," police said in a news release.
Officers were able to locate the male at the college and a replica firearm was located.
Further information revealed the suspect had threatened on-duty security staff, according to police.
Ezenwa Obieze, 25, of Welland was arrested and charged with uttering threats.
Obieze was held in custody pending a bail hearing expected to take place Sept. 27 at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Obieze is considered innocent unless proven guilty.
There is no ongoing threat to the public and the hold and secure was lifted, police said.
Anyone with information was being asked to contact investigating officers at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1023300.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or call 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
