Neighbour’s 911 call ends violent assault

WELLAND, ON, CANADA — A heinous act of violence was brought to a halt thanks to a neighbour’s concern.

Police responded to a report of a domestic assault at Steele Street residence around 4 p.m. on Tuesday after a concerned neighbour called police reporting that a man was assaulting his girlfriend at the home. It is alleged that the male had punched and kicked the woman, pulling her by her hair around the residence and even repeatedly threw a computer monitor at her head. Detective Sgt. Brian Smith explained that by the time police arrived the assault had ceased but the man refused police entry into the home. A brief standoff ensued with the man who was barricaded, along with the victim, in the home. Smith explained that police, out of concern for the victim’s safety, waited “just long enough to kick the door in.”

Upon entering the house police, arrested the man without a struggle.

While the woman received minor injuries, medical care was not required.

Smith explained that in this instance a neighbour called police. While it can sometimes be hard to ascertain what can be happening next door, Smith said it is better to err on the side of caution and call police if it is believed an assault is taking place.

“The last thing we want is some poor victim lying there helpless,” said Smith, who noted that under Canadian law, domestic abuse charges are amongst the few police must lay if there is any evidence of such a crime.

Subsequent investigation has revealed that the accused has allegedly assaulted the victim on three other occasions. The 31-old-man’s identity is not being released by police to protect the identity of the victim. He has been charged with forcible confinement, three counts of assault with a weapon, breach of probation and three counts of assault. He will be held in custody pending a Dec. 7 bail hearing.

Read the story here.

Related Stories

• No Related Post