Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 2 District (Niagara Falls / Niagara on the Lake) officers are investigating a commercial theft incident in Niagara Falls that led to an officer being assaulted.
On March 11, 2024, at 7:02pm a 2 District uniform officer responded to Lundy’s Lane in the area of Glenholme Avenue for a report of an armed person call related to theft from an area business. Officers received information that the theft suspect claimed to have a weapon (gun & knife). The suspect was threatening and violently resisting/assaulting store staff.
When the NRPS officer arrived on scene he found the suspect violently struggling to escape from two store employees. As the NRPS officer continued the lawful arrest of the suspect, the suspect spat saliva in the officer’s face. As the suspect was being transported to the NRPS Prisoner Management Unit for processing he repeatedly kicked the interior of the police cruiser causing damage.
NRPS investigation determined that the incident began when the suspect selected some snack food (valued at $10) from a shelf and attempted to leave the store without paying. The suspect was confronted by store staff, and he threatened violence.
Store employees received minor injuries.
Kevin Tomas Matthews (31 yrs.) of Lanark Ontario has been arrested and charged with the Criminal Code offences of:
Theft Under $5000 Uttering Threats (2 Counts) Assault (2 Counts) Assault a Peace Officer Mischief Over $5000
Matthews 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 1022200.
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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