7:30 p.m. update:
A man is facing several charges, including attempted murder, after a shooting Monday in the Crystal Beach area of Fort Erie.
The two victims, a man and woman in their 40s, remain in an out-of-region hospital. The man is in critical condition and the woman is receiving treatment for serious injuries.
Police believe the pair had been collecting aluminum recycling from residential driveway bins at around 6:30 a.m., the man was on foot and the woman was 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," police allege in an updated news release.
"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."
Police say the suspect then drove off in a grey 2019 Dodge Caravan.
Just before 9 a.m. the suspect walked back to the scene and surrendered to investigators.
"Officers located the Dodge at the suspect's residence. The Dodge was seized and transported for examination by NRPS Forensic Unit detectives pending the authorization of a search warrant," police said.
William Symes, 78, of Fort Erie has been charged with:
- 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 is being held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on Tuesday, March 12.
10:30 a.m. update:
The investigation into the shooting incident remains ongoing by 5 District detectives. Officers have located the suspect vehicle and a male has been arrested.
More details will follow later this afternoon in a further update.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1022320
Original news release:
On March 11, 2024 at 6:30 a.m., 5 District (Fort Erie) uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) responded to a report of a double shooting in the town of Fort Erie.
Officers attended a parking lot in the area of Derby Road and Rebstock Road and located a female and male suffering from gunshot injuries. Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedics treated both victims for serious injuries. The male victim was transported to an out of region hospital and the female to a local hospital.
Officers are attempting to identify and locate a possible tan or silver mini van that may be connected to the incident. Officers are also developing a suspect description.
There is a police presence in the area Crystal Beach area of Fort Erie. The investigation is in its early stages. The public in the area is asked to use caution and report anything suspicious.
Derby Road is closed from Rebstock Road to Brewster Road. The public is asked to find alternative routes.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 2320.
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.
