Driver with no rear plates flees from Hamilton police

Hamilton police have arrested a 19-year-old man after he allegedly fled from police during a traffic stop.

Shortly before 1:45 p.m. Sunday, officers noticed a vehicle with no plates pull into a Tim Hortons parking lot near Sanford Ave. North and Cannon St. East.

The officers turned on their cruiser lights and tried to pull the vehicle over as it traveled eastbound on Harvey St. but the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed.

Police say the driver was disregarding street signs while fleeing so officers did not pursue it due to public safety concerns.

A few minutes later, police say they found the car parked on the road and the driver was nearby. “When police recognized him as the driver he fled again on foot through backyards. He was quickly located and placed under arrest in the area of Cannon Street East and Chestnut Avenue,” said Hamilton police in a news release.

Chris Mwanga, of Hamilton, was arrested and charged with flight from peace officer and dangerous operation.