WELLAND, Ont. — A Niagara Regional Police officer was shot during an armed standoff in Welland on Friday morning, prompting lockdowns at a nearby hospital and schools and a shelter-in-place order for surrounding neighbourhoods.
Police were called shortly after 8 a.m. to a building at 114 Second St., near Plymouth Road, following reports of shots fired. Just before 10 a.m., officers confirmed that one of their members had been shot and taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. A male suspect remains contained inside the building.
The property is a former Hungarian Presbyterian Church located next to a $2-million affordable housing project being developed by Habitat for Humanity Niagara.
Mark Carl, the organization’s executive director, said two staff members were working at the site Friday morning, while several city workers were nearby.
“They heard gunfire from the building next door and basically jumped in their vehicles and took off,” Carl said. “Our staff cleared out, vacated the area and got away safely. They’re very shaken up today.”
No volunteers were on site at the time, he said.
Carl described the situation as “very scary,” noting the proximity of St. Mary Catholic Elementary School, Plymouth Public School, Welland Hospital, several long-term care homes and nearby daycares.
“It’s just an unfortunate situation,” he said.
Niagara Regional Police placed Welland Hospital, St. Mary Catholic Elementary School and Plymouth Public School under lockdown, which remained in effect as of noon. Residents in surrounding neighbourhoods were ordered to shelter in place.
“All residents in the affected area are urged to continue to stay inside and lock their doors until further notice,” police said in an update. “Lock all doors and windows and remain inside until further notice.”
Police said the Special Investigations Unit has been notified after officers discharged their firearms during the initial interaction with the suspect. Tactical units from Hamilton and Halton regional police services were also assisting at the scene.
Carl said Habitat workers have tried to avoid interactions with the neighbouring property owner since construction began months ago.
“Our staff knew just to keep their distance,” he said, adding that the neighbour had previously warned workers to stay off his property.
A property search identified the building as being owned by Daniel Tronko, who purchased it for $210,000 in December 2012.
Both local school boards issued statements following the lockdowns.
The Niagara Catholic District School Board said students and staff were prevented from entering or leaving St. Mary Catholic Elementary School once the lockdown was in place. Parents and guardians were notified, and buses carrying students to the school were diverted to St. Andrew Catholic Elementary School.
“We recognize that this is an unfortunate and inconvenient time of the day for this to be happening,” the board said. “However, we support the police’s efforts to keep our students and staff safe, as their safety and well-being is our priority at all times.”
District School Board of Niagara spokesperson Karen Bellamy said families of Plymouth Elementary students were immediately notified and advised not to bring their children to school. Students already on buses were diverted to Diamond Trail Public School, where they would be supervised, and staff who had not yet arrived were reassigned there as well.
Niagara Health said all surgeries and outpatient appointments at Welland Hospital were cancelled, and no one was permitted to enter or leave the facility during the lockdown. Patients affected will be contacted about next steps, while those currently in hospital will continue to receive care.
The situation remains ongoing, and police continue to urge the public to avoid the area.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.