Arrest made in targeted attack near Lundy’s Lane; second suspect remains at large
Niagara Regional Police say one of two men wanted on second-degree murder charges in connection with an assault on Lundy’s Lane has been arrested, while the other suspect remains at large. The incident began last Thursday evening near the intersection of Lundy's Lane and Hanan Avenue, a busy commercial stretch of Niagara Falls.
Uniformed officers arrested 46-year-old Alexander Piccirillo in Niagara Falls on Tuesday, police said. Piccirillo was scheduled to appear for a bail hearing at the St. Catharines courthouse on Wednesday. The other man sought by investigators, 31-year-old Brandon Fitzgerald, remains wanted on a second-degree murder charge.
Victim identified; timeline of events
Police reported they were called to a business on Lundy's Lane shortly before 6:30 p.m. last Thursday after a report of an assault. Officers located the victim, identified by police as 37-year-old Matthew McAra, without vital signs. Niagara paramedics transported the man to a local hospital with serious injuries. He later died on Monday, according to investigators.
Niagara Regional Police said their initial investigation indicates the victim was assaulted by two men who fled the scene. Investigators described the attack as targeted and have asked residents and businesses in the area to review any surveillance footage that might assist the probe.
Police request public assistance
Authorities continue to ask anyone with information about Fitzgerald's whereabouts to contact police. They cautioned members of the public not to approach him and to dial 911 if they believe they have seen him.
Police asked residents and businesses to review video surveillance and to contact them, but cautioned the public not to approach the suspect and to contact 911.
- Review home or business surveillance footage from the Lundy’s Lane and Hanan Avenue area on Thursday evening.
- Do not approach the wanted individual; call 911 immediately if seen.
- Contact Niagara Regional Police with any tips or information relevant to the investigation.
Local impact and community concerns
The assault and subsequent death of a man in the Lundy’s Lane corridor have raised concerns among residents and business owners who frequent that commercial artery. Lundy's Lane is one of the city's more active corridors, with restaurants, shops and services that draw both residents and tourists. A homicide investigation in such a visible area tends to heighten community unease and put pressure on police to provide timely updates.
Officers have not released further details about the motive or the relationship, if any, between the suspects and the victim beyond describing the attack as targeted. With one person in custody and another still sought, investigators are working to piece together what led to the assault and to locate any witnesses who may have been in the area that evening.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Matthew McAra, 37 (died in hospital) |
| Arrested | Alexander Piccirillo, 46 |
| Wanted | Brandon Fitzgerald, 31 (at large) |
| Charge | Second-degree murder (both suspects) |
| Location | Lundy's Lane near Hanan Avenue, Niagara Falls |
As the investigation continues, police are relying on local residents and businesses for video and witness accounts that could narrow down timelines or reveal the movements of the two suspects. For a corridor like Lundy's Lane — a mix of residential access and tourist-facing commerce — swift cooperation between community members and investigators is often crucial to resolving violent incidents.
Niagara Regional Police have not indicated whether additional charges are expected. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact police immediately.
