A shelter-in-place order in Welland, Ontario, was lifted Saturday morning following the arrest of a suspect involved in a tense standoff with police that began Friday morning. During the standoff, a Niagara Regional Police officer was shot, but thankfully, the officer’s body armour prevented serious injury.
Standoff Details
The Niagara Regional Police emergency task unit responded to a residence on Second Street around 7:45 a.m. Friday to assist City of Welland bylaw officers. Upon arrival, a man inside the residence immediately opened fire, striking an officer in the chest. According to Const. Richard Hingley, “It sounds like the body armour did its job in that case to protect the officer.” The injured officer was transported to hospital as a precaution and has since been released.
Police established a large perimeter around the residence and issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents as a safety precaution. Throughout the day, evening, and overnight, officers attempted to negotiate with the suspect. Attempts to gather information using remote cameras were unsuccessful, as the cameras were reportedly fired upon and disabled.
At approximately 7:25 a.m. Saturday, authorities arrested 59-year-old Daniel Tronko without incident. Tronko was taken to hospital by Niagara EMS for treatment of a gunshot wound sustained during the exchange of gunfire with police the previous day. He remains in stable condition. No other officers or members of the public were injured during the incident.
Following the arrest, police lifted the shelter-in-place order and reopened all road closures in the area. Niagara Regional Police Chief Bill Fordy stated, “This incident was resolved safely as a result of the professionalism and co-ordinated efforts of our members.”
Ongoing Investigation
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The SIU has confirmed that a 59-year-old man sustained a serious injury and that a police officer was struck during the incident. The SIU has assigned three investigators and three forensic investigators to the case, designating one subject official and eight witness officials.
The SIU is requesting that anyone with information, including video or photographic evidence, contact investigators. Police have indicated that no further details will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the initial police response on Friday morning?
The Niagara Regional Police emergency task unit was initially called to a residence on Second Street to assist City of Welland bylaw officers.
Was the injured officer seriously harmed?
No, the officer’s body armour absorbed the impact of the gunshot, and the officer was released from hospital as a precaution.
Is the suspect currently in custody?
Daniel Tronko, 59, was arrested Saturday morning and remains in hospital in stable condition receiving treatment for a gunshot wound.
What impact might this incident have on community perceptions of safety in Welland?
