News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Man Wounded in Exchange of Gunfire with Police in Welland

Case Number: 25-OFI-522   

Other News Releases Related to Case 25-OFI-522

SIU Investigating Welland Shooting

Mississauga, ON (18 April, 2026) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe a Niagara Regional Police Service officer committed a criminal offence after a 59-year-old man was shot and wounded in an exchange of gunfire with police. On December 19, 2025, officers were on Second Street to preserve the peace as municipal staff removed a fence that had been set up illegally by the man.

The man fired multiple rounds at an officer and struck her ballistic vest. The man continued fire and officers shot at the man, with one officer striking him in the left shoulder. Director Martino found it readily apparent that the officer fired his weapon to protect himself and his fellow officers from a reasonably apprehended attack on their persons. The man retreated before firing further shots. He was arrested following a lengthy standoff.

Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision): 

If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by an incident under SIU investigation and would like support, the Affected Persons Program is here to help. You can reach us at 1-877-641-1897. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7, every day of the year.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must

  • consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
  • depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
  • publicly report the results of its investigations

Lisez ce communiqué en français.

Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES