Hamilton Police are reminding vehicle owners that any vehicle being driven by a suspended driver can be seized by police and impounded for seven days under the Vehicle Impound Program. Two exemptions to the rule include suspensions for medical reasons and unpaid fines.

On Sunday, March 10, 2019, shortly after 12:30 p.m., Hamilton Police were in the area of Glassco Avenue North and Dunsmure Road. At that time a silver Mercedes Benz sedan was observed operating without a front licence plate on Dumsure Road. Recognizing the Highway Traffic Act violation police followed the vehicle which then turned into a driveway on Glassco Avenue. The driver immediately exited the vehicle and was recognized as a known suspended driver. He was arrested for 'Driving while under suspension.' As such police were authorized to impound the Mercedes Benz for seven days.

Through investigation, police determined the existence of several other Highway Traffic Act violations.

The driver, an 18-year-old Hamilton man was issued three court summons and will appear in court on Monday, April 8, 2019, to answer to the charges.

The Mercedes Benz had been sold approximately six months prior and police learned the Ministry of Transportation had not been notified of the change of ownership. Under the Highway Traffic Act, the purchaser of a vehicle has six days to register as the new owner or be subjected to fines. As a result of being operated by a suspended driver, the vehicle was impounded for seven days as per the Highway Traffic Act legislation.

CHARGED

• 18–year-old male from Hamilton

CHARGES

• Drive while under suspension
• Fail to display two licence plates
• Drive motor vehicle no currently validated permit

During the investigation into the suspended driver, a male associated with him attended the scene. The driver directed the unknown male to position his vehicle where it could prevent the Mercedes Benz from being towed. The male entered a grey Mitsubishi Outlander, drove it around the block and returned at a high rate of speed. The police cruiser was parked preventing the male from completing his action. Although the road conditions at the time were poor due to snow and ice conditions the male continued to attempt to reposition his vehicle by driving on the sidewalk and across a lawn at an unsafe speed. Police were able to safely secure the vehicle.

The driver was arrested for Obstruct Peace Officer and Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle. He will appear in court on Monday, April 8, 2019, to answer to the criminal charges.

CHARGED

• 19-year-old male from Hamilton

CHARGES

• Obstruct peace officer
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle