Niagara police arrest man accused of assaulting an officer and hospital worker

Niagara Regional Police can be seen in St. Catharines, Ontario, Thursday January 12, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Alex Lupul

A man has been charged with assault after allegedly attacking a hospital worker and a Niagara Regional Police Service officer in St. Catharines earlier this week.

Police say officers responded to an unwanted person call on Monday around Ontario Street and Chapleau Gate at 11 a.m.

A man was located and voluntarily transported to the hospital, police say.

About five hours later, police say officers were called to the St. Catharines Niagara Health System site at 1200 Fourth Avenue, where that same man was allegedly attacking a hospital staff member.

Police say a “violent struggle” occurred when an officer attempted to intervene and arrest the man.

Additional officers, security guards, and hospital staff members had to help apprehend the man, according to police.

The officer and the security guards and hospital staff who assisted were all treated for minor injuries.

Police say 34-year-old Alexandre Gratton has been charged with two counts of assault as well as assaulting a peace officer.

The charges have not been tested in court.