Two facing charges in connection to ongoing break and enter investigation

The NRPS investigation into commercial break and enters across the Niagara Region has been ongoing by detectives. On April 23, 2020, two more men were arrested.

John Lenik (57 years old) of Wainfleet is charged in relation to a Fort Erie break and enter that occurred on April 9 2020, as well as possessing a stolen motor vehicle. Lenik is charged with the alleged Criminal Code of Canada offences of:

• Break, enter and commit place other than a dwelling. Sec. 348(1)(b)
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000. Sec. 355(a)
• Fail to comply with Probation Order. Sec 733.1(1)

Lenik was held in custody for a video bail hearing at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on April 24, 2020.

Arlin Sapielak (52 years old) of St. Catharines is charged in relation to a Thorold Break and Enter that occurred on March 10 2020, as well as possessing a stolen motor vehicle. Sapielak is charged with the alleged Criminal Code of Canada offences of:

• Break, enter and commit place other than a dwelling. Sec. 348(1)(b)
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000. Sec. 355(a)

Arlin Sapielak was released on a Form 10 Undertaking with a future court date of June 26, 2020, at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, extension 9555.

Original Release – April 21, 2020

Since March of 2020, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) have been investigating a series of commercial break and enters throughout the Region of Niagara involving two male suspects using a stolen Dodge Caravan.

On April 20, 2020, officers arrested 41-year-old Kevin Boutilier of Niagara Falls. He is charged with the alleged Criminal Code of Canada offences of:

• Break, enter and commit place other than a dwelling. Sec. 348(1)(b)CC (5 Counts)
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000. Sec. 355(a)CC
• Mischief under $5000. Sec. 430(4)CC (6 Counts)
• Attempt break, enter and with intent place other than a dwelling. Sec. 348(1)(a)CC
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000. Sec. 355(b)CC
• Fail to comply with Probation Order. Sec 733.1(1)CC

The charges are in relation to 12 incidents in the communities of Fort Erie, Thorold, Niagara Falls and Welland. 

The investigation was a collaborative effort by NRPS detectives and uniform officers from our 1 District – St. Catharines, 2 District – Niagara Falls, 3 District – Welland, 5 District – Fort Erie offices and the Forensic Services Unit.

The investigation into the identity of the 2nd male suspect is ongoing. The suspect is a white male with a medium build.

Officers have located and seized the Dodge Caravan. The van had been stolen from the Hamilton area on March 3, 2020.

Officers are holding a scene at a Niagara Falls hotel in the area of Lundy's Lane and Montrose Road pending the execution of a search warrant.

Boutilier is being held for a video bail hearing that is scheduled for Tuesday April 21, 2020.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, 9555.