One of the two individuals sought in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in Niagara Falls on July 16 has been apprehended in Montreal and is set to be extradited to the city of Ontario.
The arrested individual, Josta MacNeal, was taken into custody by the Montreal Police Service on Thursday in relation to the death of 35-year-old Mitchell Snoddon, as confirmed by the Niagara Regional Police Service. MacNeal is facing a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the incident.
Previously identified as 30 years old, MacNeal was reported as one of the suspects, while the other individual, Maaroof Bangi, who was stated to be 23, is still at large. Niagara police have emphasized the importance of Bangi’s arrest, highlighting that since no firearm has been recovered, he is considered to be armed and dangerous.
In response to the ongoing search for Bangi, the police have issued a statement advising the public not to approach him if seen and to immediately contact 911. Additionally, the police have urged Bangi to seek legal counsel and surrender himself.
According to the initial police report, the two suspects arrived at an apartment complex on Thorold Stone Road in Niagara Falls just before 9 p.m. ET on July 16 and fatally shot Snoddon, who was subsequently transported to the hospital by ambulance but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Authorities believe that the shooting was a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence, cautioning the community to remain vigilant. Earlier, Niagara police had released surveillance footage of the suspects and sought assistance from the public in locating them.
Initially, the suspects were said to be traveling in a 2022-2026 Nissan Rogue SUV. However, at a later point, it was reported that the fugitives were driving a 2016 Toyota Camry with specific damages, last seen on Highway 45 in Hastings, Ontario.
In a recent development, the police recovered a Mazda CX5 believed to have been used by the suspects. Detectives suspect that the suspects may attempt to alter their appearances to evade capture, including changing hair length and color, makeup, clothing styles, and facial hair.
Individuals with information relevant to the case are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
