Residents of a Welland neighbourhood were ordered to shelter in place on Friday morning, December 19, 2025, following reports of a shooting in the area. The Niagara Regional Police issued the urgent warning as they responded to the incident.
Police Establish Large Perimeter in Response
The incident occurred in the vicinity of Plymouth Road and Lincoln Street. Authorities confirmed a heavy police presence on the scene as officers worked to secure the area. In an official news release, police instructed members of the community to remain indoors while the situation was being resolved.
"Members of the community are asked to shelter in place while our officers work to make the area safe," the police statement read. A large security perimeter has been established, with boundaries set from Lincoln Street to the north, King Street to the west, Third Street to the south, and Coventry to the east. The public is being asked to avoid this entire zone.
Critical Community Facilities in Lockdown
The police response has had an immediate impact on key institutions in the neighbourhood. Schools in the area, along with the Welland County General Hospital, were placed under lockdown as a precautionary measure. The lockdowns are part of the standard protocol to ensure public safety during active police investigations.
The affected area is a busy commercial and residential hub. It contains numerous businesses, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and a Tim Hortons location, as well as retirement homes and public parks. The shelter-in-place order has disrupted normal activity for all these establishments.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Advisory
As of Friday morning, the investigation remains active. The Niagara Regional Police have not released details about potential suspects, victims, or a motive. They have used social media, including a post on X (formerly Twitter), to reiterate their request for the public to avoid the designated area.
Police are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available. Residents within the perimeter are advised to continue following the shelter-in-place directive until an official all-clear is given by authorities.
