Suspect caught after man riding bike stabbed on a St. Catharines trail

Niagara Police have charged a St. Catharines man after a victim riding an e-bike was stabbed on the Merritt Trail yesterday (May 25).

The police responded to a stabbing call at 3:20 pm where they found a 47-year-old male, also from St. Catharines, suffering from stab wounds in the Martindale Rd. and Erion Rd. area.

EMS quickly shuttled him to an out-of-town hospital where he was treated for the wounds and released to recover at home.

However, the victim and several witnesses were able to give the police a description of the suspect, who was known to them. They then took a team to his home in the Vansickle Rd. North and Barton St. area where he was arrested without incident at 10:15 pm.

Richard Frank Stephens, 56, of St. Catharines has been charged with assault causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon.

Upon investigation, the police learned there was a confrontation between the two men, who were strangers to each other. The victim fell off his e-bike and was then stabbed while on the ground.

Stephens remains in custody and is being held for a bail hearing today (May 26) via video link to the courthouse in St. Catharines.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009367.