3 Niagara police officers injured during multiple attempts to arrest suspected impaired driver

The Niagara Regional Police Service detachment in 1 District located in St. Catharines, Ont., is shown on Friday, March 15, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett)

Three Niagara police officers were injured, including one who was thrown from a vehicle, during multiple attempts to arrest a suspected impaired driver in Pelham on Saturday morning.

It began in the area of Effingham Street and Sumbler Road, where police were called at 9:10 a.m. for reports of an impaired driver.

Officers were informed that a dark grey Dodge Ram pickup truck was travelling east on Chantler Road toward Welland while weaving into oncoming traffic, police said.

They located the truck parked in a driveway with the driver’s door open. Officers spoke to the driver, and during that time, they determined that he was impaired.

“As an arrest was being attempted, the suspect suddenly accelerated, causing an officer to be thrown from the vehicle to the ground as the vehicle sped away westbound on Sumbler Road,” police said.

Officers later tracked the suspect eastbound on Forks Road. Police said they deployed multiple spike belts along the suspect’s route but they failed as he continued to drive east without stopping.

Officers then conducted a high-risk traffic stop, during which the suspect vehicle collided with several cruisers, police said.

“Officers were able to access the driver’s side door, but the vehicle remained in gear, and the suspect attempted to flee,” police said. A service dog was then deployed and the suspect got out of the vehicle.

Police said he continued to resist arrest, even allegedly attempting to disarm an officer. A short time later, officers were able to gain control and take the suspect into custody.

Three officers and the suspect sustained minor injuries during the incident, police said.

In a news release on Saturday, they identified the driver as 24-year-old Jonathan Lamontagne of Wainfleet.

He has been charged with two counts of flight from police, one count of impaired operation of a conveyance, assault with intent to resist arrest, attempting to disarm a police officer, dangerous driving, resisting arrest and possession of a Schedule I substance.