Niagara Regional Police Service reported the arrest of one suspect in the shooting death case of a man in Niagara Falls on July 16. Josta MacNeal was apprehended in Montreal by the Service de police de la Ville de Montreal and will be extradited back to Ontario. MacNeal, charged with second-degree murder in connection with the killing of Mitchell Snoddon, who was 35 years old, was taken into custody.
The other suspect, Maaroof Bangi, who was previously identified as 23 years old, is still at large. With no firearm recovered, Bangi is considered armed and dangerous by Niagara police. Authorities have advised the public not to approach Bangi if sighted and to contact 911 immediately.
Niagara police emphasized the importance of Bangi seeking legal counsel and surrendering himself. The initial police report stated that both suspects went to an apartment building on Thorold Stone Road in Niagara Falls, where Snoddon was fatally shot shortly before 9 p.m. ET on July 16. Despite being rushed to the hospital by ambulance, Snoddon succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Authorities believe the shooting was a targeted attack rather than a random incident but urged caution among the public. Earlier, Niagara police had released surveillance footage of the two suspects and appealed to the community for any information regarding their whereabouts.
Initially, the suspects were reported to be driving a 2022-2026 Nissan Rogue SUV. At a later stage, it was revealed that the fugitives were spotted in a 2016 Toyota Camry with specific damages, last seen on Highway 45 in Hastings, Ontario.
In a related development, a Mazda CX5, believed to have been used by the suspects, was recovered by the police. Detectives suspect that the suspects may attempt to change their appearances, including altering hair length, color, makeup, clothing styles, and facial hair changes to evade capture.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).