Driver switches seats with passenger on Linc: Hamilton police

Hamilton police say a Toronto man is facing charges after he allegedly switched seats with a driver in a moving vehicle on the Lincoln Alexander Parkway (Linc).

Officers tried to pull over a driver who was seen using a cell phone on the Linc near Upper Wellington St. Wednesday evening.

Police say the passenger and driver switched seats while the vehicle was still moving and nearly crashed into the curb.

“Once the occupants assumed their new positions the vehicle came to a stop. The officer approached the vehicle on the passenger side to arrest the original driver,” said Hamilton police in a news release. “An altercation ensued and the male was able to flee.”

Police arrested a 21-year-old man who remained at the scene. Officers also seized a bottle of a liquid substance containing codeine.

He has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, obstruct peace officer, possession of controlled substance and fail to comply probation.

He has been held for a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court later Thursday.