Police in Welland, Ont., continue negotiations with man suspected of shooting officer

The man suspected of shooting a police officer in a city southwest of Niagara Falls remains barricaded inside a home as investigators try to coax him out.

Niagara regional police say in a social media post this morning that officers are continuing to negotiate with the suspect in hopes of a “peaceful surrender.”

In the meantime, they say a shelter-in-place order remains in effect for residents near the area of Plymouth Road and Second Street.

Police have said an officer in Welland, Ont., was shot in the chest during an exchange of gunfire as investigators responded to reports of a shooting Friday.

They say the officer was taken to hospital but has since been released with minor injuries.

Const. Richard Hingley has said police had been helping bylaw officers deal with a “fencing issue” around what’s believed to be an old church converted into a home when they were met with gunfire.

Friday’s events forced road closures and lockdowns at local schools and hospitals.

The Canadian Press