Officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched after receiving multiple 911 calls from concerned citizens to advise of a possible impaired driver at approximately 4:25 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022.
Reports were received to advise that a vehicle had run the lights at Henry Street at West Street and proceeded to hit a utility box at West Street at Galileo Blvd, and another vehicle at Morton Street and West Street, making no attempt to stop. The vehicle had reportedly been driven erratically at dangerously high speeds.
Moments later another call was received to advise that a vehicle was on fire in the area of Conklin Crescent and Sky Acres Road. Police arrived on scene to find the vehicle engulfed in flames on the roadway in a residential area.
Local residents observing the vehicle fire were directed back to their homes to ensure their safety. Members of the Brantford Fire Department attended and quickly extinguished the blaze.
Witness reports advised that two suspects were observed vacating the vehicle, fleeing the scene on foot, just prior to the fire igniting.
In an effort to locate the suspects, BPS K-9 track was initiated in the local vicinity. Both suspects were located by police in the rear of a taxi attempting to flee the area.
When advised he was under arrest, the accused male, resisted, and spit on the arresting officer.
Information received indicated that the accused was in violation of a valid release order and a valid licence suspension. Additionally, the accused was operating the vehicle without insurance and valid registration as required by law.
When dealing with the accused male, officers observed signs of impairment.
The accused was transported to provide samples of breath as required by law. Both samples provided were over the legal limit.
Search incident to arrest located brass knuckles (a prohibited weapon) in the possession of the accused.
As a result of this investigation, a 28-year-old male from Brantford, stands charged with the following offences:
• Failure to comply with Judicial Release Order, contrary to the Criminal Code
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon- brass knuckles, contrary to the Criminal Code
• Resist Arrest, contrary to the Criminal Code
• Assault Peace officer, contrary to the Criminal Code
• Failure to stop after accident, contrary to the Criminal Code x 2
•Dangerous Operation, contrary to the Criminal Code
• Operation while Impaired- Alcohol and Drugs, contrary to the Criminal Code
• Operation while Impaired- Blood Alcohol Concentration, contrary to the Criminal Code
• Arson by Negligence- contrary to the Criminal Code
• Drive while under Suspension, contrary to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act
• Drive Motor Vehicle, no current validation permit, contrary to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act
• Drive Motor Vehicle in Contravention of condition, contrary to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act
• Novice driver- BAC above Zero, contrary to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act
• Owner Operate Motor Vehicle on a highway- No insurance, contrary to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act
The accused has been held for bail.
