Niagara Regional Police have arrested a Welland man in connection with a hit-and-run that injured a St. Catharines man earlier this month, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
Arrest follows weeks of investigation
Police say the collision occurred shortly before noon on Aug. 20 on Church Street near Clarke Street, when a 39-year-old St. Catharines man was struck by a vehicle. The victim was transported to hospital for treatment.
Officers initially circulated information that a black Infiniti sedan might have been involved. Further investigative work, however, determined that the striking vehicle was a red 2023 Dodge Ram pickup truck, not the sedan previously reported.
On Aug. 26, investigators arrested 73-year-old William Buitenwerf of Welland. He has been charged with Fail to Stop at Scene of Accident/Bodily Harm, police said.
What police are asking of the public
Niagara Regional Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. They provided a direct contact number and anonymous reporting option:
- To speak with investigators: call 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009769.
- To report anonymously: contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip via the Crime Stoppers website.
“Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact police,” the service said.
Timeline and facts
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 20 | Shortly before noon — a 39-year-old man struck on Church Street near Clarke Street; vehicle fled scene. |
| Aug. 20–26 | Investigation identified the vehicle as a red 2023 Dodge Ram pickup; initial report of a black Infiniti corrected. |
| Aug. 26 | 73-year-old William Buitenwerf of Welland arrested and charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm. |
The change in the make and colour of the suspect vehicle underscores the often-fluid nature of early reporting in active investigations. Motor vehicle collisions in urban neighbourhoods can unfold quickly, and witnesses may give differing accounts in the immediate aftermath.
For residents of St. Catharines, the case is a reminder of the impacts a single incident can have on a tight-knit community: an injured neighbour, an active police investigation and the search for clarity about what happened and why. Police did not release further details about the circumstances of the collision or the condition of the injured man beyond confirming he was taken to hospital for treatment.
Investigators continue to seek additional information and evidence that could clarify the sequence of events leading up to the collision. Anyone who may have dash-cam footage, neighbourhood security footage or who witnessed the incident is being urged to contact police.
As the case moves through the justice process, charges against the accused will be handled through the courts. Local residents with information that could assist the investigation are asked to use the contacts above to provide tips to Niagara Regional Police or to do so anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
This report will be updated as police release more information.
