A tense and prolonged police standoff in Welland, Ontario, has ended with the arrest of a 59-year-old man now facing an attempted murder charge. The incident, which began as a routine bylaw-related call, escalated dramatically after a police officer was shot, triggering an intensive, nearly 24-hour operation involving negotiators, tactical officers, and oversight from Ontario’s police watchdog.

Authorities say the situation posed a serious risk to public safety and required a highly coordinated response as officers worked through the night to bring the standoff to a safe conclusion.

Incident Began as Bylaw Assistance Call

Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officials say officers were initially dispatched to the area of Plymouth Road and Second Street on Friday to assist municipal bylaw officers.

Dispute at Former Church Turned Residence

Police were called to help address what was described as a “fencing issue” on the property of a former church building that had been converted into a private residence. The call was considered routine, and officers were not responding to reports of violence at the time.

However, the situation escalated rapidly once police arrived at the property.

Police Officer Shot During Initial Interaction

Shortly after police made contact at the residence, an officer was shot in the chest, according to Niagara police.

Body Armour Prevents Serious Injury

Authorities confirmed the officer was wearing body armour at the time of the shooting. The protective equipment significantly reduced the severity of the injuries, police said.

The officer was transported to hospital as a precaution and treated for minor injuries. They were released later Friday evening and are expected to recover fully.

The shooting immediately prompted a large-scale police response and the securing of the surrounding area.

Suspect Barricades Himself Inside Home

Following the shooting, the suspect retreated into the residence and barricaded himself inside, initiating a prolonged standoff that lasted almost an entire day.

Area Secured as Standoff Begins

Police quickly established a perimeter around the property near Plymouth Road and Second Street. Nearby streets were blocked off, and residents in the immediate area were advised to remain indoors as a safety precaution.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that no other individuals were inside the residence during the standoff.

Negotiations Continue Through Night and Morning

Police negotiators attempted to communicate with the suspect throughout Friday evening and into the early hours of Saturday morning.

Remote Cameras Met With Gunfire

In an effort to assess the situation inside the home, officers deployed remote-controlled cameras into the residence. However, police said each attempt was met with gunfire from inside the home.

“Every time we did that, the suspect met those cameras with gunfire, just demonstrating a blatant disregard for public safety and the safety of officers,” Const. Richard Hingley told reporters during a Saturday morning briefing.

The repeated gunfire further complicated negotiations and heightened concerns about the suspect’s willingness to engage peacefully.

Arrest Made After Nearly 24 Hours

After almost a full day of negotiations and tactical efforts, police were able to safely take the suspect into custody.

Suspect Arrested Saturday Morning

Niagara Regional Police confirmed that the man was arrested just before 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, nearly 24 hours after the initial call for service.

The suspect was identified as Daniel Tronko, 59, of Welland. He was charged with attempted murder in connection with the shooting of the police officer.

Police indicated that additional charges may be laid as the investigation continues.

Suspect Taken to Hospital Following Arrest

After his arrest, Tronko was transported to an out-of-town hospital for medical treatment.

Gunshot Wound Confirmed

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) later confirmed that the suspect sustained a gunshot wound during the incident on Friday. He was reported to be in stable condition while receiving treatment.

No further injuries were reported, and police confirmed that no other members of the public or officers were harmed during the standoff.

Special Investigations Unit Launches Probe

As required by law, Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate to investigate the incident.

Independent Oversight Triggered by Firearm Discharge

The SIU was called in because firearms were discharged by police during the initial interaction with the suspect. The agency is responsible for independently investigating cases involving police actions that may result in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person.

In an update provided Saturday, the SIU confirmed there was an exchange of gunfire between police and the suspect and that the man was hospitalized following his arrest.

Community Familiarity With Suspect

Police officials noted that the suspect was not unknown to the community.

“Well Known” to Local Residents and City Staff

Const. Hingley told reporters that Tronko was “well known” to local residents and city staff in Welland, though he declined to provide further details about the nature of that familiarity.

Authorities have not indicated whether previous interactions with police or bylaw officers played a role in Friday’s events.

Heavy Police Presence Shuts Down Area

Throughout the standoff, police maintained a strong presence in the neighbourhood, with officers, tactical units, and emergency services deployed for an extended period.

Roads Blocked, Residents Urged to Avoid Area

Multiple roads near the scene were closed as a safety measure, including sections near Second Street and Plymouth Road. Residents and motorists were advised to avoid the area while the standoff was ongoing.

Police thanked the community for its patience and cooperation during the lengthy operation.

Broader Implications and Officer Safety

The incident has renewed discussion around officer safety and the unpredictability of seemingly routine calls.

Routine Calls Can Escalate Quickly

Police officials emphasized that situations initially classified as non-violent can rapidly become dangerous. The shooting underscores the risks officers face even during calls involving municipal or bylaw issues.

The officer’s body armour was credited with preventing more serious injuries, highlighting the importance of protective equipment in frontline policing.

Ongoing Investigation and Court Proceedings Ahead

As the SIU continues its independent review, Niagara Regional Police are also conducting their own parallel investigation.

Charges and Next Steps

Daniel Tronko remains in custody as investigators continue to gather evidence. Police say further charges may be considered once all aspects of the incident have been reviewed.

Court dates and additional legal proceedings are expected to follow, though no timeline has been publicly released.

Conclusion: Standoff Ends Without Further Loss of Life

The nearly 24-hour standoff in Welland concluded without additional injuries, but not before a police officer was shot and a neighbourhood was placed under lockdown for much of a day.

Authorities say the arrest of the suspect brings a dangerous situation to an end, while investigations by both police and the Special Investigations Unit aim to provide a full accounting of what occurred.

As the case moves forward through the justice system, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the volatility law enforcement officers may encounter and the importance of measured, coordinated responses in high-risk situations.