NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On Nov. 18, 2020, at approximately 9:45 p.m. a 2 District – Niagara Falls officer was in the area of Queenston Road and Niagara Stone Road in Niagara on the Lake when he observed a car driving erratically in a parking lot.
The officer stopped the car due to the driving behavior. While speaking to the female driver the officer noticed that a male passenger in the back seat was buried in what appeared to department store merchandise.
The officer's subsequent investigation determined the car and the occupants were linked to shoplifting incidents at two department stores in St. Catharines. The licence plate attached to the blue 2007 Chrysler was also not meant for that car.
The officer arrested the female driver and male passenger.
Sasha Annette Smith (23 years old) of Niagara on the Lake has been arrested and charged with the offence of:
- Possession of property obtained by crime Under $5000 contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code
- Theft under $5000 contrary to section 334(b) of the Criminal Code
- Use validation not furnished for vehicle contrary to section 12(1)(e) of the Highway Traffic Act
- Use plate not authorized for vehicle contrary to section 12(1)(d) of the Highway Traffic Act
- Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit contrary to section 7(1)(a)of the Highway Traffic Act
- Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle contrary to section 7(5)(a) of the Highway Traffic Act
- Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner contrary to section 11(2) of the Highway Traffic Act
MacKenzie Terrence Benard (22 years old) of Thorold has been arrested and charged with the offence of:
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code
- Theft under $5000 contrary to section 334(b) of the Criminal Code
The recovered property consisted of clothing, small appliances, kitchen related items and food. The estimated value of the recovered items is $3450.
Smith and Benard were transported to the Niagara Regional Police Central Holding for processing. They were later released from custody on a Form 10 Undertaking with a future court date.
Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers at 905-688-4111, extension 2200.
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