$20k worth of stolen sports memorabilia discovered after arrest in Niagara Falls

A wide array of stolen goods and illegal drugs have been recovered by police following a foot chase in Niagara Falls.

Niagara police say that on Oct. 17, a firearms investigation concluded after a man was arrested by police following a “brief foot pursuit.” According to police, a loaded 38 Special revolver was recovered after the arrest and two subsequent search warrants at a home and hotel room in the city led to more items being seized, including fentanyl, MDMA, crystal meth, cocaine, 10 high-end bicycles and cigarettes.

Police believe the cigarettes and bicycles were stolen, as well as about $20,000 worth of sports memorabilia.

Detectives have been able to locate the owners of much of the recovered property, police say.

The $20,000 worth of sports memorabilia has been linked to a November 2023 break-in at Icon Autographs on Dorchester Road in Niagara Falls.

The street value of the drugs seized is estimated to be more than $11,000, according to police.

Two Niagara Falls residents are facing charges in connection with the seizures, including Alan Richard Christensen, 38 and Tanya Jacqueline Gilchrist, 35. Charges include possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, drug possession and more.

Both of the accused individuals were held in custody for a bail hearing on Oct.18, 2024.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1002200.