NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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On Feb. 15, 2020 at approximately 10:15 a.m., a uniform officer from the 3 District – Welland office of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) was parked in the area of Duncan Street and Lasalle Street in Welland observing traffic.
The officer noticed a beige Chevrolet Impala pass their location with a plastic sheet for a rear window. A check of the licence plate by the officer found that it was not on the correct car. The officer began to follow the Impala and attempted a traffic stop in the area of Empire Street and East Main Street. The Impala refused to pull over for the officer and began to accelerate away. Out of a concern for public safety the officer did not engage in a pursuit.
A short time later the Impala lost control and collided with a parked car causing approximately $10,000 in damage. The Impala then left the street onto the sidewalk where it hit a light post, metal garbage cans and a sidewalk barrier. The Impala then struck the front of the Welland Downtown Galleria causing approximately $15,000 in damage to the front of the building. The driver exited the car and fled the area carrying a white dog.
The driver was located at a residence on Division Street later in the day and arrested.
Tyme Edward Cook (43 years old) of Welland is charged with the alleged Criminal Code of Canada offences of:
• Flight from police
• Failure to stop at scene of an accident
• Fail to comply with a probation order
Cook has also been charged the alleged provincial offences of:
• Owner operate motor vehicle on highway - no insurance - Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act
• Drive motor vehicle no currently validated permit - Highway Traffic Act
• Drive motor vehicle no licence - Highway Traffic Act
• Use plate not authorized for vehicle - Highway Traffic Act
• Use validation not furnished for vehicle - Highway Traffic Act
There were no injuries as a result of the incident.
Cook attended a bail hearing on Feb. 16, 2020, where he was held in custody. He is scheduled to appear by video link to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on today's date.
Anyone who may witnessed this incident, or who may have information is asked to contact officers at 905-688-4111, ext. 3300.
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