Hamilton driver who crashed stolen pickup faces additional charges

Hamilton police have charged a 35-year-old man with additional offences, including careless driving, in connection with a crash on Centennial Parkway South in which a stolen pickup crossed into oncoming traffic.

The crash happened shortly before 4:45 a.m. on Jan. 9, when the southbound pickup crossed into northbound lanes and collided with an SUV, police said. The impact forced the SUV to crash with a third vehicle.

The 35-year-old, who police allege was driving the stolen pickup, was seriously hurt in the crash. One other man was transported to hospital with minor injuries. The crash caused Centennial to close between King Street East and Ridge Road for several hours.

Police initially charged the 35-year-old with possession of a stolen vehicle and breaching probation. Following an investigation into the crash, police have now also laid an additional criminal charge of operation while prohibited along with two provincial Highway Traffic Act charges of driving while suspended and careless driving.

The investigation by the collision reconstruction unit is now complete.

Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com