Officer shot as police respond to fence dispute in Welland, Ont., schools remain in lockdown

ship's ship's officer crack in Welland, Ont., infirmary, schools in lockdown

An officer was shot in Welland, Ont., on Friday morning while Niagara police were responding to reports of gunfire.

"The officer has been transported to hospital as a precaution to assess injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening," said Niagara Regional Police Service on X.

A man continues to be "contained" in a building, Const. Richard Hingley told reporters at about noon ET on Friday.

The incident appeared to begin over a fence dispute, Hingley said.

In the morning, City of Welland bylaw officers went to the property to address "an enormous fence" that was blocking traffic sightlines, he said.

Bylaw had requested and was accompanied by police to "keep the peace."

The fence surrounds an old church converted into a residence, Hingley said. Shortly after officers arrived, a man inside shot at them.

One officer was hit, but was protected for the most part by body armour, Hingley said.

Niagara police's emergency task unit, as well as Hamilton and Halton police remain on the scene at Second Street between Plymouth Road and Lincoln Street, "working to make the area safe," Hingley said.

Police continued to advise residents in the area are asked to "shelter in place immediately." Welland Hospital and two schools remain in lockdown.

"Lock all doors and windows, and remain inside until further notice," police said on X. "Do not leave your residence unless directed by police."

Ongoing Police Investigation - Please Avoid the Area <a href="https://t.co/6hfM3IlGbd">pic.twitter.com/6hfM3IlGbd</a>

No details about the officer who was shot have been released.

But speaking from Buffalo, N.Y., Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters he'd heard an officer was shot in Welland and said she is "a wonderful person."

Ford said his "prayers and thoughts" are with her and her family, and police on both sides of the border.

"God bless her and pray everything's going to work out. I'm very, very confident it will."

Just after 11 a.m., Niagara police said officers had used their firearms "during the initial interaction" and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) was notified.

The SIU confirmed it had invoked its mandate.

The police watchdog investigates incidents involving police and civilians that have resulted in serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault.

Schools in lockdown include Plymouth Public School and St. Mary Catholic School.

District School Board of Niagara posted on X that no Plymouth staff can leave the school, and no students or staff will be allowed in until the lockdown is lifted.

"If you walk or drive your children to school, please keep them at home until further notification," the school board said.

Plymouth students already on a bus were taken to Diamond Trail Public School, it said.

The Catholic school board is following the same lockdown procedures, it said on Facebook. Students already on the bus were be dropped off at St. Andrew Catholic Elementary School, where parents could pick them up.

"We recognize that this is an unfortunate and inconvenient time of the day for this to be happening," the school board said. "However, we support the police's efforts to keep our students and staff safe, as their safety and well-being is our priority at all times."

Niagara Health, which runs Welland Hospital, said on X that no new patients will be admitted to the building while the lockdown continues. Visitors are also not allowed inside.

All current patients will be cared for, Niagara Health said.

People with appointments are asked to stay home and watch for updates.

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