Skip to content

St. Catharines apartment unit contained as officers negotiate with armed man

Police responded to multiple reports of a man with a long gun which was later found to be a replica AK-47
cruiser AdobeStock_236471322
Stock image

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
*****************************
On April 22, 2020 at approximately 11:10 a.m., 1 District St. Catharines uniform officers responded to the area of Ontario Street and Welland Avenue in St. Catharines after receiving multiple 911 calls for a report of a man with a long gun.

Uniform officers attended the area and determined the male had entered the apartment building at 158 Ontario St. Further investigation discovered two victims who had been threatened by the male while he was brandishing/pointing the long gun. Officers determined the male had entered an apartment unit.

Members of the Emergency Task Unit and Crisis Negotiators attended the scene and contained the apartment unit. After some negotiations, the male surrendered to officers and was arrested at approximately 12:25 p.m.

Kristopher V. Purdy (32 years old) of St. Catharines is charged with the alleged Criminal Code of Canada offences of:
    •    Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose contrary to section 88(1)
    •    Uttering threats contrary to section 264.1(1)(a)

The incident resulted in road closures in the area while it was being resolved.

The long gun was recovered from the apartment unit and determined to be a replica firearm designed to appear like an AK-47 rifle.

Purdy is being held in custody and will attend a video bail hearing on April 23, 2020 at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

The matter is under investigation by 1 District detectives. Anyone with information is asked to contact 905-688-4111, ext. 4233.

*****************************