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American driver accused of running the border, damaging police cruiser in Niagara Falls

Police tased the driver, who is also accused of biting a nurse

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On July 20, 2020, at approximately 2:05 p.m., 2 district (Niagara Falls), uniform officers attended the area of Kitchener Street and Second Avenue, in the City of Niagara Falls, for reports of a vehicle that had just crossed into Canada by the Rainbow Bridge, without stopping for Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers.

Further information was received that the Niagara Falls Police Department (New York) had made attempts to initiate a traffic stop on a Ford Explorer bearing a Florida licence plate, that was driving in an erratic manner. The Ford failed to stop, and proceeded unlawfully through the Canadian Border, failing to stop for CBSA officers.

The vehicle continued to drive erratically in the City of Niagara Falls. Two District (Niagara Falls) uniform officers, were able to locate the vehicle in the area of Second Avenue and Kitchener Street. The suspect made attempts to evade police, which resulted in a collision with a marked police cruiser.  Officers attempted to arrest the driver of the Ford. During the arrest an officer was assaulted and was forced to use a conducted energy weapon (taser). One officer received minor injuries during the course of the arrest.

The driver was transported to a local hospital to be assessed. During the transport to the hospital the male damaged the police cruiser by kicking at the window cage. While at the hospital a nurse was bitten by the male, causing minor injuries.

Damage to the cruiser involved in the collision is estimated at $7000.

Damage to the cruiser where the window cage was damage is estimated at $1000.

A quantity of suspected Oxycodone and Hydrocodone was found in the male's possession at the time of his arrest.

Harpreet Singh (33 years old) of North Tonawanda, New York, USA, was arrested and charged with the alleged following offences: 

  • Operation while impaired - drugs, C.C. 320.14(1)(a) 
  • Dangerous operation, C.C. 320.13 
  • Flight from police officer, C.C. 320.17  
  • Assault peace officer with intent to resist arrest, C.C. 270(1)(b)  
  • Mischief under $5000, C.C. 430(4) 
  • Possession of a controlled substance - Schedule I, CDSA 4(1)  
  • Assault, C.C. 266 Singh was held in custody for a bail hearing. 

He is to appear at court on July 23, 2020, at Robert S.K Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of Niagara Falls.

Anyone who may have information or may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, extension 2200.

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