Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 5 District (Fort Erie) detectives have been investigating a March 11, 2024, double shooting incident that occurred in the Crystal Beach area of the Town of Fort Erie.
The male and female victims (both in their 40s) remain in an out of region hospital. The female victim is receiving treatment for their serious injuries and male victim is critical condition.
The investigation has determined that on March 11, 2024, at 6:30am the victims had been collecting aluminum recycling from residential driveway bins. The male victim had been out on foot and the female victim driving a car. The male victim became involved in an argument with the suspect who is believed to also be a recycling collector. The suspect struck the male victim with wooden bat and then drew a 25-calibre pistol and fired multiple shots at the male victim striking him. The male victim attempted to flee to the car being driven by the female victim. The suspect approached the female victim and fired multiple shots into the car striking her.
The suspect then left the scene in a grey 2019 Dodge Caravan. At 8:51am while officers were processing the shooting scene the suspect returned on foot and surrendered himself to officers and was arrested. Officers located the Dodge at the suspects residence. The Dodge was seized and transported for examination by NRPS Forensic Unit detectives pending the authorization of a search warrant.
William Symes (78 yrs.) of Fort Erie has been arrested and charged with the Criminal Code offences of:
Attempt Murder (x2) Discharge Firearm with Intent to Wound or Endanger Life (x2) Use Firearm During Commission of an Offence (x2) Careless Use of a Firearm Pointing a Firearm (x2) Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Possession of a Restricted or Prohibited Firearm Knowingly not Holding a Licence. Unauthorized Use of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition Assault with a Weapon Aggravated Assault (x2)
Symes was held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on March 12, 2024.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1022300.
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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Related Media Releases
Original Release – March 11, 2024 – 8:31am
Update 1 – March 11, 2024 – 10:01am
