UPDATE #2 – Fire Call leads to Two Arrests – Fort Erie

Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to 5 District (Fort Erie/Ridgeway) Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Fire related call for service.

As a result of continued efforts, detectives have located and spoke with the occupant of the black SUV. Detectives would like to thank members of the community for their assistance in this matter.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009700.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

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UPDATE #1 – March 13, 2025

Detectives are requesting to speak with the occupants of a black SUV seen in the vicinity of Whispering Woods Trail and Butternut Crescent, Fort Erie, at approximately 6:40 a.m. on March 8, 2025. Detectives believe that the individuals in the vehicle may have valuable information that could aid in the investigation and encourage them to come forward.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009700.

Images removed.

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Original Release – March 10, 2025

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m. members of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) assigned to 5 District (Fort Erie/Ridgeway) responded to the area of Allen Trail and Whispering Woods Trail in the Town of Fort Erie for a Fire related call for service.

Once on scene, officers observed a row of town homes under construction fully engulfed in flames. The Fort Erie Fire Department began efforts to extinguish the fire, while officers secured a perimeter.

Investigation revealed that shortly after smoke was seen billowing from the townhomes two males were observed exiting the structure. Officer’s were able to locate the two males a short distance away and place them under arrest.

Michael MAGIN (36 years) of Fort Erie faces the following criminal charges:

- Break and Enter to Commit Mischief Over $5000

- Fail to Comply with Probation Order

Jason BATT (45 years) of St. Catharines faces the following criminal charge:

- Break and Enter to Commit Mischief Over $5000

There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire. The preliminary damage estimate was assessed at $400,000, however, this number is subject to change.

MAGIN and BATT were released on Form 10 – Undertaking’s and are expected to appear at court on April 11, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009700.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

#25-23989