A police officer in the Niagara Region is currently hospitalized after being shot in Welland on a Friday morning.
The incident took place as law enforcement responded to a situation unfolding on Second Street, near Plymouth Road and Lincoln Street, as reported by the Niagara Regional Police Service.
Authorities were initially summoned to the vicinity at approximately 8:15 a.m. on Friday following reports of a shooting.
“While responding to the area this morning, one of our officers was shot and injured by gunfire,” stated the police in an update provided on the incident.
The injured officer was swiftly taken to the hospital for assessment, although the injuries are deemed to be non-life-threatening, according to the police.
A male suspect is currently confined within a building in the area, as per police statements.
As a safety measure, Welland Hospital and nearby schools have been locked down, with a shelter-in-place directive issued and still in effect.
“There is a substantial police presence in the vicinity. We urge community members to remain indoors while our officers secure the area,” indicated the police in an official statement.
A significant perimeter has been set up by the police, spanning Lincoln Street to the north, King Street to the west, Third Street to the south, and Coventry to the east.