Man arrested, 3 others wanted in gang sexual assault in St. Catharines

Police have arrested one man, with three others still at large, after a break-in at a home in St. Catharines where a woman was reportedly sexually assaulted and robbed.

Niagara Regional Police say four men allegedly broke into a home in the Welland Avenue and Lake Street area on Sunday (Sept. 15), where they reportedly sexually assaulted a woman and stole several items before fleeing the scene.

The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police say.

Nearly two weeks later, on Sept. 27, police executed search warrants in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, leading to the arrest of a 17-year-old male from Niagara Falls. He faces several charges, including gang sexual assault, sexual assault with a firearm and theft. As the accused is a minor, his identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. His bail hearing was scheduled for Sept. 28 at Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Authorities believe three suspects remain outstanding. The first is a 17-year-old from St. Catharines, whose identity is also protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Kieren Ennis, 24, of Atwood North Perth in Ontario, faces multiple charges including gang sexual assault, sexual assault with a firearm and theft under $5,000.

Larry L. Smith, 19, of St. Catharines, is also charged with gang sexual assault, sexual assault with a firearm and theft under $5,000, in addition to further firearms-related offences and failing to comply with a release order.

Police believe the attack was targeted and have reason to suspect there may be witnesses with additional information about the incident.

It remains unclear whether the victim knew the suspects and police have not disclosed what items were stolen from the home or their value.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, ext. 10029535, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.