Numerous charges, arrests as police wrap up investigation into shooting
Numerous charges have been laid against multiple suspects as police wrapped up a more than six-month investigation into an early morning downtown St. Catharines shootout Sept. 29 that left six bystanders seriously injured.
Niagara Regional Police announced the arrests of four additional suspects Friday, adding to five suspects previously arrested following the incident that occurred at 2:30 a.m. outside the Karma nightclub, 55 St. Paul St.
The nine suspects face a combined 97 charges.
Chief Bryan MacCulloch said the conclusion of the investigation highlights the “dedication and persistence of our investigators who worked to ensure the safety of our community.”
“Violent acts such as this will not be tolerated in our community. I am so very proud of the tireless efforts of our officers to investigate this senseless act of violence,” he said in a statement.
Police say the latest arrests followed multiple search warrants being executed March 30 and April 2 with the assistance of Hamilton police.
Dalton Meikle, 42, of Thorold faces seven charges, including being an accessory after the fact, possession of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000, and careless storage of ammunition.
Cheniece Batticks, 26, of Thorold was charged with possession of fentanyl, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking; Jayson Hypolite, 30, of Stoney Creek was charged with counselling to commit and accessory after the fact; and Rhiannon Blackie, 29, of Stoney Creek was charged with obstruction of a peace officer.
Police say they believe the recently arrested suspects were either involved in the shooting, or involved in criminal activities discovered as officers investigated the shooting.
All four were held in custody prior to bail hearings.
Previously arrested suspects include Saeed Savalanpour, 32, and Shamaree Wilson, 28, both from Richmond Hill, and Scarborough residents Shane Tyrell, 34, Jamar Stephens, 29, and Kaitlan Miller, 26.
The shooting left four men and two women ranging in ages from 31 to 48 suffering from gunshot wounds, including two victims who were rushed to an out-of-region hospital in critical condition. All six victims were released from hospital a week later.
Police also thanked the public and media for their cooperation and support during the investigation. Allan.Benner@niagaradailies.com 905-225-1629 | @abenner1