Off-duty police officer threatened by shoplifters in Niagara Falls

Two people from Niagara Falls are facing charges after they threatened an off-duty police officer who was trying to stop them from shoplifting.

The incident happened last night at the Walmart located at 7481 Oakwood Dr. in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Regional Police say staff members at the Walmart caught a woman trying to shoplift. She was stopped at the door by security but continued to try to leave the store.

An off-duty Niagara police officer was nearby in the store and intervened in order to help security place the female suspect under arrest.

A male acquaintance of the female suspect then approached the off-duty officer and threatened him with a knife.

On-duty police officers arrived on scene and took the two suspects into custody before the situation could escalate any further.

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Police say none of the people involved suffered any injuries and the knife used in the incident has been seized as evidence.

Two people from Niagara Falls are facing charges as a result.

Jodi Bella Poulin, 41, is charged with shoplifting theft under $5,000.

Wayne K.J. Griffiths, 47, is charged with possession of a weapon, assault with a weapon, assault a peace officer, and uttering threats.

Both accused are scheduled to appear in court in St. Catharines at the beginning of March.

Anyone with more information about this investigation is encouraged to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009501.