Welland Standoff Ends with Arrest of Daniel Tronko After Officer Shot

Nearly 24-Hour Standoff Concludes in Welland

A tense, nearly 24-hour standoff in Welland, Ontario, ended on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with the arrest of Daniel Tronko, 59. The incident began on Friday, December 19, 2025, when Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers responded to a residence on Second Street to assist city bylaw officials regarding a fencing issue. Upon their arrival, a male suspect opened fire, striking a police officer.

The standoff prompted a significant police presence and a shelter-in-place order for residents in the affected area, which included the vicinity of Plymouth Road and Lincoln Street. Local schools, including Plymouth Public School and St. Mary Catholic School, were placed on lockdown, and the Welland Hospital implemented a hold-and-secure protocol.

Officer Sustains Non-Life-Threatening Injuries

During the initial exchange of gunfire, a female Niagara Regional Police officer was shot in the chest. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. Authorities noted that her body armor played a crucial role in preventing more serious harm.

Throughout the standoff, police attempted to negotiate with Tronko. Tactical operations involved deploying remote cameras into the residence, a former church converted into a home, but these were repeatedly fired upon and disabled by the suspect.

Suspect Arrested, Faces Attempted Murder Charge

Daniel Tronko was arrested by members of the NRPS Emergency Task Unit shortly after 7:25 a.m. on Saturday. He has been charged with attempted murder, with additional criminal charges pending further investigation. Following his arrest, Tronko was transported to an out-of-region hospital by Niagara Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) for treatment of a serious injury he sustained from a gunshot during the initial interaction with police. He remains in stable condition.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Tronko by police.

Community Returns to Normalcy

Following Tronko's arrest, the shelter-in-place order and all associated road closures were lifted, and residents were advised that there was no ongoing risk to public safety. Chief of Police Bill Fordy issued a statement praising the 'professionalism and coordinated efforts' of the officers involved, emphasizing their commitment to public safety.