NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
*******************************
On Feb. 11, 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls / Niagara-on-the-Lake) responded to a belated sexual assault complaint within the City of Niagara Falls.
Officers spoke with an adult female victim who alleged three sexual assaults had occurred within recent days by a 44-year-old male suspect, who was a known acquaintance of the victim. Detectives assigned to the NRPS Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) were notified and immediately assumed carriage of the investigation.
On Feb. 16, 2023, an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect. On Feb. 17, 2023 at 7:55 a.m., a 2 District uniform patrol officer observed the suspect’s vehicle on Stanley Avenue near Murray Street in the City of Niagara Falls. A traffic stop was conducted and the suspect was arrested.
Wayne Earl James Brown (44 years) is charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Sexual assault (three counts)
Each of the three alleged sexual assaults occurred inside the suspect van and were precipitated by the suspect offering the victim a ride. Although there is no known information to suggest there may be additional victims, this public notification is being made should anyone have had similar instances or observed suspicious behaviour related to Brown and/or his van.
Brown is described as:
• Male
• White
• 5’11” tall
• 225 lbs
• Short brown hair
• Unshaven black/grey facial hair
Brown's van is a black 2007 Honda Odyssey with visible damage to the front bumper.
Anyone who may have information in relation to this incident is encouraged to contact the lead detective at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009638.
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 that leads to an arrest.
*******************************
