Second arrest made in Niagara Falls suspicious device call

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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Sept. 28 UPDATE

As a result of the continued investigation by detectives from 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake), another search warrant was executed on Sept. 28, 2024 at a residence in the area of Beaver Glen Drive near Brookside Drive, in the City of Niagara Falls.

Simultaneously, with the assistance from the Chatham-Kent Police Service, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the area of St. Clair Street and Paxton Drive in Chatham, Ont.

On Sept. 28, 2024, Malek Sleiman (26 years old) was arrested and charged with the following offences:

• make, possess, care and control of explosive device
• unlawful possession of explosives
• possession of a prohibited device - taser device
• possession of a prohibited device - pepper spray

Sleiman was held in custody pending a bail hearing that is expected to take place on Sept. 29, 2024.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators by calling 905-688-4111, dial option 3, extension 1009768.

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

Sept. 6 UPDATE

This incident remains under investigation by officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara on the Lake) detective office.

Following the execution of a search warrant on Thursday Sept. 5, 2024 at the home, a male was arrested and charged.

21-year-old Taha Sleiman is facing the following charges:

• make, possess, care, and control of explosive device, contrary to section 81(1)(d)(i) of the Criminal Code
• unlawful possession of explosives, contrary to section 82(1) of the Criminal Code

Sleiman is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing on Friday Sept. 6, 2024 at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators by calling 905-688-4111, dial option 3, extension 1009768.

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.

Sept. 5 ORIGINAL RELEASE

On Sept. 4, 2024, at 12:24 p.m. 2 District (Niagara Falls /Niagara on the Lake) uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) responded to a residence in the City of Niagara Falls in relation to the possible presence of a suspicious device.

Officers attended to a residence on Beaver Glen Drive near Brookside Drive following concerns about the presence of a suspicious device in the Beaver Glen home.

During the initial search of the home, officers located multiple devices of a concerning nature. Out of abundance of caution, officers evacuated nearby homes and the NRPS Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) was called to the scene.

EDU officers attended and examined the devices which were then removed to a safe location for further assessment. The devices were determined to be improvised explosive devices in varying stages of completeness. The devices were rendered safe by EDU officers.

Nearby residents were allowed to return to their homes at 3 p.m.

This is an ongoing investigation by 2 District detectives. At this time there have been no arrests related to this incident. Officers remain on scene at the residence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators by calling 905-688-4111, dial option 3, extension 1009768.

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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