The community of Welland is grappling with horror after a shocking case of child sexual assault during a home invasion has come to light.

Last Sunday morning, Niagara Regional Police arrived at a residence near Crowland Avenue and York Street in response to a medical assistance call. Upon investigation, officers discovered signs of forced entry, leading to a rapid criminal inquiry. The assaulted toddler, who is under five years old, was rushed to an out-of-region hospital for urgent care and is currently reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities revealed that the young child was allegedly assaulted while the parents were unaware of the intruder’s presence in their home. Eyewitnesses played a crucial role, sharing video surveillance footage from the area which helped police identify a suspect.

Police have arrested 25-year-old Daniel Senecal of Welland, charging him with a range of serious offenses, including aggravated sexual assault against a minor, assault by choking, break and enter, and sexual interference.

Community Leaders Speak Out

In an emotional response, Mayor Frank Campion condemned the horrific crime, stating it is "impossible to fathom." He expressed profound sympathy for the affected family, stating, "As a parent, I cannot begin to imagine the pain this family is living through. To think of a young child being harmed in this way shakes every parent to their core."

Campion has called for stricter judicial measures to ensure that such heinous acts do not go unpunished. He remarked, "This act of violence has shaken our city to its core. It goes against everything Welland stands for, and we will not tolerate it. We will work with police and advocate to all levels of government to ensure that perpetrators face severe consequences and are kept off our streets."

Niagara Regional Police Chief Bill Fordy also addressed the community, highlighting the emotional strain on the investigators and emphasizing the need to respect the victim’s privacy. He stated, "This is a tragedy that has deeply impacted our community and our investigators. We are aware of misinformation being circulated online and urge the public to rely on verified sources."

Fordy confirmed that Senecal remains in custody and reiterated the police department's commitment to push for bail reforms.

As the investigation continues, detectives from the Child Abuse Unit are working closely with the victim's family to ensure justice is served.