‘Shelter in place’ warning issued after officer shot in Welland, Ont.

Niagara regional police say a shooting in Welland, Ont. has prompted a “shelter in place” warning after an officer was injured on Friday morning.

Police said the shooting happened in the area of Plymouth Road and Lincoln Street.

Const. Richard Hingley told Global News the call initially came from City of Welland bylaw officers who requested Niagara police for assistance in a “keep the peace” situation with a “fencing issue with the property, which is the subject of the call.”

Hingley said the officers were met by gunfire within that residence which “appears to be an abandoned church which has been converted into a dwelling now.”

It’s unclear how long the church has been abandoned for.

“It sounds like the body armour did its job in that case to protect the officer,” Hingley said, noting the officer was taken to hospital as a precaution to assess injuries which are believed to be non-life-threatening.

“At that point, our officers took cover, and called in,” Hingley said. “Obviously there was a large response from the other officers in the area. We actually got assistance from all neighbouring detachments.”

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As of just after 10 a.m., police said a male suspect was contained within the building.

A shelter in place warning was issued to residents in the area. Staff have been evacuated from Plymouth Public School and St. Mary Catholic Elementary School, while a lockdown at Welland Hospital has been lifted.

“All residents in the affected area are directed to shelter in place immediately. Lock all doors and windows and remain inside until further notice. Avoid windows and do not leave your residence unless directed by police,” the force said.

Police said there is a large number of officers in the area and a large perimeter has been set up.

Niagara Health said it is asking patients and visitors to avoid Welland Hospital due to a lockdown “at the request of Niagara Regional Police Service.”

The hospital network said it was advised that “it is not safe to come and go in the area.”

“Patients in the hospital are still being cared for but no additional patients are being admitted to the building. If you have an appointment at the Welland Hospital today, please stay home and watch for updates,” Niagara Health said.

The Special Investigations Unit, known as Ontario’s police watchdog, said it has invoked its mandate and is investigating the incident. The SIU is called in when there are serious incidents involving civilians and officers.