Niagara Regional Police investigators are probing an assault in downtown St. Catharines that left a 25-year-old man from Welland with serious injuries Saturday evening.
Incident and response
Police say uniformed officers were called to the intersection of St. Paul and Bond streets at about 8:53 p.m. for a report of an assault. On arrival, officers located a 25‑year‑old man suffering from serious injuries. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment; police described his injuries as serious but not life‑threatening.
Investigators say a verbal interaction between the victim and the accused escalated into a physical confrontation.
Charges and custody
Niagara police charged Samantha Jacobs, 41, with assault causing bodily harm. She was held for a bail hearing on Sunday at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
Search for second suspect
Detectives said they are looking for a second person in connection with the incident. The man is described as white, aged roughly 30–45, about 5‑foot‑11 and weighing approximately 175–185 lb. He may be known by the name “Will” and was last seen wearing black jeans and a white and green flannel jacket.
- Location: St. Paul and Bond streets, St. Catharines
- Time: ~8:53 p.m., Saturday
- Victim: 25‑year‑old man from Welland — serious, non‑life‑threatening injuries
- Accused in custody: Samantha Jacobs, 41 — charged with assault causing bodily harm
- Second suspect: male, white, 30–45, ~5'11", 175–185 lb, possible name "Will"
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Call to police | ~8:53 p.m., Saturday |
| Scene | St. Paul and Bond streets, St. Catharines |
| Victim | 25‑year‑old Welland man; transported to hospital |
| Charged | Samantha Jacobs, 41 — assault causing bodily harm |
Possible hate motivation and community impact
Niagara police say their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Unit has been notified and will be involved with the victim. Investigators are examining whether the incident may have been motivated by hate. If evidence supports that finding, police state it could be considered an affirmative factor at sentencing.
The case has prompted heightened concern among residents near the downtown corridor, where commercial and residential properties sit close together and foot traffic is common in the evenings. Local leaders and advocacy groups have previously called for increased supports and reporting pathways when incidents may involve bias; the involvement of the regional unit signals police are treating that possibility seriously while the criminal investigation continues.
How to provide information
Anyone with information about the incident or the identity or whereabouts of the second suspect is asked to contact Niagara Regional Police at 905‑688‑4111, option 3, ext. 1024233. Members of the public who prefer to remain anonymous can tip Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1‑800‑222‑8477 (TIPS).
As the matter proceeds through the court system, further details will be released by police and courthouse officials in accordance with ongoing investigative and judicial processes.
