A 59-year-old man named Daniel Tronko has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following an incident in Welland, Ontario, where he allegedly shot a police officer. The situation unfolded southwest of Niagara Falls and culminated in a nearly 24-hour standoff that began on December 19, 2025.
According to the Niagara regional police, the standoff ended early on December 20, with Tronko taken into custody just before 7:30 a.m. Police had previously implemented a shelter-in-place order around 7:45 a.m. on Friday when officers responding alongside bylaw officers encountered gunfire linked to a "fencing issue" at a residence believed to be an old church that had been converted into a home.
During the exchange, a police officer was shot in the chest but was later released from the hospital after being treated for minor injuries. The situation escalated as Tronko barricaded himself inside the residence, prompting police to engage in negotiations with him. They also deployed remote cameras into the home throughout the night; however, these devices were met with gunfire and were subsequently disabled.
Following the arrest of Tronko, Niagara regional police confirmed that he may face additional charges as the investigation proceeds. He was reported to have sustained injuries during the incident and was taken to an out-of-town hospital for treatment.
In light of Friday's events, police instituted road closures and lockdowns at nearby schools and hospitals for safety measures. They later assured the community that there was no ongoing threat to public safety. The Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has also been called in to examine the details surrounding the shooting incident.
This situation has raised significant concerns regarding public safety in the Welland area, and police have worked diligently to resolve the matter without further escalation. The aftermath of the event highlights the complexities and dangers law enforcement officers face during such high-risk interventions. As investigations continue, the community remains on alert but relieved that the primary threat has been neutralized.
