A Hamilton Township man is facing several serious charges after a bizarre incident on Tuesday, December 10, 2019.
Shortly after 9 a.m. Northumberland OPP received several 9-1-1 calls about a vehicle operating at high speeds driving recklessly in the area of Ontario Street and June Avenue just north of Cobourg.
The vehicle may have even been doing high speed laps around the neighbourhood.
“At some point a neighbour tried to wave him (suspect) down to slow him down,” said Northumberland OPP Constable Jeff Laporte.
“At that time he (suspect) backed up and made a hand signal as if he was point a gun.”
The resident got in his vehicle and drove down a street when the suspect cut him off and brandished what appeared to be a handgun.
At that point the resident immediately left the area.
The suspects vehicle at one point went into a culvert, but managed to continue driving.
Shortly after the suspect’s vehicle was travelling southbound on Ontario Street, went over a curb and struck a hydro pole.
A off-duty Cobourg Police officer witnessed the collision, but before the officer could intervene the suspect fled the scene in the vehicle travelling south turning left onto June Avenue.
A trail of pieces from the vehicle were left on parts of the road from damage with the hydro pole and culvert.
The vehicle finally turned into a private residence on Oliver’s Lane with the off-duty Cobourg Police officer close behind.
The Cobourg Police officer identified himself and asked the suspect to remain on the scene at which time Laporte said the suspect pushed the officer.
Northumberland OPP arrived shortly after and arrested the suspect. The gun was actually an imitation firearm.
“It was very dangerous. At least one of the complainants was taking his child to school.”
Laporte said with the way the suspect was driving there could have been a serious collision or fatality.
“The way he was driving, there were one or two areas where he appeared to go in a ditch or across driveways and all it would take is for someone to be out on the street.”
“From what witnesses were saying the speeds were extremely high.”
Northumberland OPP said the are very grateful for the assistance of the Cobourg Police officer.
“The off-duty officer is doing stuff that officers do everyday, on and off duty. You just don’t know what is going to happen. It goes to show the public that whether we are on or off-duty when you see something wrong you act to try and protect the community.”
A 27-year-old man from Hamilton Township is facing charges of dangerous driving, assaulting police, assault with a weapon, drive while under suspension, fail to remain at the scene of an accident, fail to report an accident, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, uttering threats cause bodily harm and use imitation firearm while committing an offence.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
