NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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A local man is wanted by the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) after he struck an officer and their police cruiser in Niagara Falls.
On Jan. 2, 2019 at approximately 2 p.m., a uniform officer from the 2 District Niagara Falls office of the Niagara Regional Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a black 2007 Pontiac Vibe in a parking lot in the area of Drummond Road and Lundy's Lane in Niagara Falls.
The Pontiac being operated by a lone male pulled into a parking spot and the officer parked behind it. The officer exited their silver Impala police cruiser and spoke to the driver. After a conversation, the driver suddenly reversed the Pontiac striking the officer and ramming the police cruiser out of his path.
The Pontiac fled east on Lundy's Lane and then north bound onto Stanley Street. Other officers in the area initiated a pursuit, but discontinued it due to the suspects dangerous driving and a concern for public safety. The Pontiac with rear end damage was last seen in the area of Stanley Street and Valley Way in Niagara Falls.
The officer was not injured. The damage to the NRPS vehicle is estimated at $5,000.
Later in the afternoon officers received information that the male and vehicle maybe in Niagara on the Lake (Virgil). A number of officers were in the area, but were not able to locate the suspect. The Pontiac was located at that time.
As a result of the investigation officers have identified the driver of the Pontiac as 25-year-old Kenneth William Hunter of no fixed address. Hunter has numerous ties to Niagara Falls. His current whereabouts are unknown.
Hunter is described as:
• 160 lbs medium build
• 5’4” feet tall
• Brown hair
• Hazel eyes
As a result of this incident, Hunter is wanted for the alleged Criminal Code of Canada offences:
• Assault with a weapon
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Fail to stop at scene of accident
• Fail to stop for police pursuit - flight from police
• Operation while prohibited
Hunter also faces Highway Traffic Act offences stemming from this incident.
Should a member of the public recognize or know the whereabouts of Hunter they are asked to call 911.
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