Reported gang sexual assault in Niagara leads to more arrests

More suspects have been arrested in connection with an alleged gang sexual assault in St. Catharines.

Last month, Niagara police said it was looking for multiple suspects following a break-in at a home in St. Catharines where a woman was reportedly sexually assaulted and robbed.

Police allege that four men broke into a home in the Welland Avenue and Lake Street area on Sunday (Sept. 15), assaulted a woman and stole several items before fleeing the scene.

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.

His bail hearing was scheduled for Sept. 28  in St. Catharines.

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

On Oct. 8, police announced that two other outstanding suspects were arrested. On Oct. 3, a 17-year-old male was charged with a number of offences, including gang sexual assault, sexual assault with a firearm, sexual assault causing bodily harm, theft and more. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing that took place today.

Police also announced that they arrested a suspect who officers say was found in a residence in the Line 6 Road and 4 Mile Creek area in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Tuesday morning. Earlier today, police said officers were conducting a wanted-person investigation in the area. On X, police said there was a large police presence and that the person was believed to be inside the house. Residents were told to avoid the area.

Police say officers contained the location until the suspect exited the home. He was arrested without incident, according to police.

St. Catharines man Larry Smith, 19, was arrested and charged with committing gang sexual assault, committing sexual assault with a firearm, sexual assault causing bodily harm, theft, failing to comply with probation and more.

He was held in custody pending a bail hearing set for today.

The Youth Criminal Justice Act of Canada prohibits police from releasing the identity of the accused young persons involved in the case.

In an earlier release, police said they 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.

The charges have not been proven in court.

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