Suspect Pretends to Own Property After Destroying Security Cameras

Niagara Falls Police responded to the 6700 block of Buffalo Avenue around 8pm on June 14th for a premises check that was later changed to criminal mischief.

Prior to arrival, dispatch advised officers that a 3rd party caller stated they witnessed two males on the property destroying cameras.

Upon arrival, another officer was already on scene with two male suspects. The one suspect told police that he was on “his property” and handed officers what appeared to be legal papers. He further told police that there are ongoing legal problems with the last property owner, stating that he was the property owner now.

Officers then contacted dispatch to see if there was a property owner on file, to which they advised the property owner listed will arrive on scene shortly.

At this time, both male suspects were detained.

The property owner arrived on scene. He stated he recently hired a maintenance contractor to help maintain the property.

The contractor then arrived at the property and said that he was hired to set up cameras around the perimeter of the building. In total, four cameras were set up.

Of the four cameras, two were damaged by the suspects and two others were not found. It is unknown what the suspects were planning to do at the property after removing/destroying all four cameras.

Officers spoke with a 3rd party who stated she was in her living room when she saw two men, one white and one black, across the street. She observed the black male jump up and damage the camera on the back side of the building. She also saw the white male jump up and tear down a camera on the side of the building and throw it into a large dumpster.

Both males were transported to police headquarters for booking and processing. They were charged with criminal mischief 3rd and trespass.

No further information is available at this time.

Suspect Pretends to Own Property After Destroying Security Cameras