NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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Niagara detectives have continued to investigate the vandalism incidents that occurred in Niagara-on-the-Lake in late December 2024. Multiple parked cars in residential neighbourhoods were damaged overnight.
As a result of the investigation detectives were able to identify a suspect. It was determined the suspect was arrested for an unrelated investigation of failing to comply with his release order on the morning of Dec. 31, 2024. He has been in custody since that time.
On Jan. 1, detectives executed a search warrant at a north end St. Catharines home where the suspect lives. Evidence related to the vandalism incidents was located and seized.
The suspect vehicle involved in the vandalism incidents a black Ford F150 pickup truck has been located and found to have been stolen from Niagara on Dec. 22.
On Jan. 2, detectives attended a detention facility outside of Niagara to arrest and return the suspect to Niagara. A 15-year-old male from St. Catharines has been arrested and charged with the Criminal Code offences of:
- Mischief under $5,000 (25 counts)
- Use credit card not authorized (two counts)
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (stolen vehicle)
- Fail to comply with a release order
The charged youth was held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on Jan. 3.
The investigation remains ongoing with initial damage estimates more than $40,000.
The regulations of the Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada prohibit the Niagara Regional Police Service from releasing the identity of a young person (under 18 years) charged with a criminal offence.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1007581.
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.
Click Here For Crime Stoppers Online.
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