Suspects detained by Niagara police after dramatic ice rescue
Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) arrested two men on Wednesday who allegedly biked across a frozen section of Lake Erie to steal cable and wire near Port Colborne.
Police responded to reports of a theft in progress just after noon along the Lake Erie waterfront near the Welland Canal’s entrance. According to investigators, the suspects used bicycles to traverse the ice and reach a break wall near the lighthouse.
The NRPS Marine Unit was called to the scene, where officers donned ice survival suits and navigated the hazardous conditions to apprehend one of the suspects.
The second man attempted to evade capture, walking further across the ice and briefly wading into open water before being detained by officers.
Both suspects were assessed for hypothermia after being brought back to shore safely.
Police say the investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released in the coming days.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Niagara Regional Police or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers.