A 59-year-old man from Welland is facing attempted murder charges after a police officer was shot during a 24-hour standoff on Friday.
Niagara Regional Police were called to a home on Second Street shortly before 8 a.m. to assist municipal bylaw officers when the suspect opened fire, striking an officer in the chest. The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released from hospital.
A shelter-in-place order was issued as a precaution, and a significant police presence remained at the scene. Officers attempted negotiations throughout the day and overnight. Tactical teams deployed remote cameras into the home, which were reportedly fired upon and disabled by the suspect.
Shortly before 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, the suspect, Daniel Tronko, 59, was taken into custody and charged with attempted murder. Police say additional charges are pending. Tronko was transported to a hospital outside the region by Niagara Emergency Medical Services. No further injuries were reported.
The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and all road closures have reopened.
In a statement, Chief Bill Fordy credited the safe resolution to the coordinated efforts of officers involved. Details regarding the cause of the standoff have not been released. The Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate to investigate the shooting, and no further information will be provided at this time.
Photo Credits : Insauga
