NRPS Officer Involved in Fatal Collision

An off-duty Niagara Regional Police officer was killed this morning in a head-on collision on Hwy 406.

Joe Mellen Jr. Had just finished his shift and was on his way home when his motorcycle was hit head on by a vehicle traveling in his lane. The female driver was airlifted to hospital and is in critical condition.

Mellen was a nine-year veteran of the Niagara Regional Police Service; he worked out of the #2 District Uniform Patrol Unit in Niagara Falls. He was a resident of Welland; he is survived by his parents, a sister and two young children, aged 7 and 5 years

“This is truly a tragedy that someone so young, with so much to give is gone. Policing is a family and Joe’s loss will be felt by every member of the Niagara Regional Police Service”, said Chief Jeff McGuire. “We extend our deepest sympathy to Joe’s many friends and family and will be supporting them in their time of grief.”

A section of the highway was closed from about 6 to 10 a.m. The incident is currently under investigation by the O.P.P. Traffic Support Unit.