Police Continue Negotiations with Suspect After Officer Shot

Negotiations are ongoing in Welland, Ontario, where police are attempting to persuade a man suspected of shooting an officer to surrender peacefully. The suspect has been barricaded inside a home since the incident unfolded on October 20, 2023.

According to the Niagara Regional Police, the situation escalated when officers responded to reports of gunfire. During the exchange, an officer was shot in the chest but has since been released from the hospital with minor injuries. The officer, identified as Const. Richard Hingley, was on duty assisting bylaw officers with a fencing issue related to a property believed to be an old church converted into a residence.

Police have issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in the vicinity of Plymouth Road and Second Street as a precautionary measure. Local authorities are focused on ensuring the safety of the community while trying to resolve the situation without further violence.

As investigations continue, road closures have been implemented, and local schools and hospitals were placed on lockdown during the initial response. The police have been actively using social media to keep the public informed, emphasizing their commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution to the standoff.

Officers remain in close contact with the suspect, hoping to encourage a voluntary exit from the residence. The community is urged to stay clear of the area as the situation develops.