A Quinte West resident faces criminal and traffic charges after several complaints from the public about dangerous and potentially impaired driving.
On July 11, 2024, members of Quinte West Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint of a possible impaired driver, driving dangerously, westbound from the Belleville area. The vehicle was described as a white Maserati, with the registered owner being from the Quinte West area.
Police located the vehicle, which was travelling at a high rate of speed. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it fled. Police attended the registered owner’s address a short time later and located the driver and vehicle.
Matthew SAMOAIO, aged 19 from Quinte West, was arrested and charged with:
- Flight from peace officer
- Dangerous operation
- Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt
The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville later this summer