Police standoff ends in assault, hit-and-run charges for Hamilton man

What started as a call about a dangerous impaired driver in Hamilton turned into an hours-long police standoff on Monday.

Hamilton Police say officers received reports of a possible impaired driver shortly after 12:00 p.m. in the area of King Street East and Centennial Parkway.

Police say a member of the public witnessed the driver of an SUV driving erratically, driving into oncoming traffic and brake-checking other drivers.

A short while later police received more reports about the driver of a black transport truck displaying “similar alarming behaviour,” which was also reportedly involved in a hit-and-run crash.

That’s when investigators say the driver barricaded himself inside a nearby home, leading to several hours of negotiations between police and the man, who was arrested at the scene.

Hamilton Police have charged a 41-year-old Hamilton man with multiple offences including dangerous operation, assault with a weapon and failure to stop after an accident.

Police have not released the identity of the accused, who has been held for a bail hearing.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any related information is asked to call Hamilton Police at 905-546-2963. If you wish to remain anonymous you can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.