Partial lockdowns lifted following weapon sighting at Niagara-area college

Two Niagara-area elementary schools were placed in partial lockdown after police were called to investigate reports of an armed man at a nearby college campus.

Niagara police say that shortly before 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 26, officers were called to the Niagara College campus (100 Niagara College Blvd.) in Welland after receiving a call about a male who was allegedly armed with a weapon.

Police say Quaker Road Public School and Alexander Kuska Catholic Elementary School were both placed under hold and secure as a precaution. 

According to police, officers located the suspect and found a replica firearm. Police also allege that the suspect threatened security staff. 

Ezenwa Obieze, a 25-year-old Welland man, was arrested and charged with uttering threats. 

He will appear in court on Sept. 27. 

“There is no ongoing threat to the public and the hold and secure was lifted,” police said in a news release. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1023300.