Man drives vehicle into casino

NIAGARA FALLS, ON (RELEASE) - At approximately 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009, a lone male drove his vehicle into the front of the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, following a series of incidents in the city.

Earlier, the male had been involved in a dispute at a residence in Niagara Falls. The dispute resulted in the male assaulting a male and a female with a weapon and fleeing the residence in his vehicle.

The male then attended another residence in the North end of Niagara Falls where he collided with a vehicle in the driveway. The male then fled that residence in his vehicle.

Police encountered the vehicle as it drove through the north end of Niagara Falls. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but the male continued driving. Due to the serious nature of the earlier events, officers continued to follow the vehicle as the male refused to stop for police. The pursuit ended when the male intentionally drove into the front entrance of the Fallsview Casino.

Fortunately, no patrons were injured when the vehicle drove through the front of the casino and the vehicle came to rest a short distance from the gaming floor.

A 51-year-old male from Niagara Falls was quickly taken into custody without incident. Several charges are pending

The male and female victims of the initial assault are being treated at hospital for serious but non life threatening injuries.