Peel Regional Police have apprehended and charged a man they describe as a "prolific dangerous driver" following a dramatic traffic stop in Brampton. The incident, which unfolded over two days, involved multiple attempts to evade law enforcement and culminated in the suspect allegedly ramming a police vehicle.
Incident Details and Police Response
On March 18 at approximately 11:45 a.m., police received an alert from an automated licence plate reader indicating a prohibited driver was operating a vehicle near Bovaird Drive and Sunforest Drive in Brampton. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver allegedly fled in what authorities described as a "dangerous manner."
The following morning around 8 a.m., officers located the driver at Sunforest Road and Wexford Road. In a desperate attempt to escape, the driver allegedly reversed into a police cruiser. However, responding officers quickly surrounded the vehicle with additional cruisers, effectively pinning it and preventing further flight.
Prior Incidents and Public Risk
Further investigation revealed that the driver was allegedly involved in three previous incidents where he fled from police attempting to stop him for observed offenses. Peel Regional Police stated in an official news release that "in each of those cases, while evading, his behaviour placed the public at significant risk."
Media relations officer Constable Ty Bell provided additional context in released video footage, noting that during prior escape attempts, the accused had allegedly mounted curbs, driven into oncoming traffic, and sped onto sidewalks at "high rates of speed with no care in the world."
Charges and Additional Investigations
The accused has been identified as Iqbal Dhatt, a 34-year-old resident of Brampton. He faces multiple charges including:
- Flight from police
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Racing
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Police confirmed that Dhatt allegedly had a replica firearm on his person at the time of arrest. Authorities anticipate additional charges as their investigation continues.
In a significant development, police revealed that Dhatt is also facing an immigration investigation conducted by the Canada Border Services Agency, though specific details regarding this aspect of the case were not immediately disclosed.
Video Evidence and Unusual Details
Peel Regional Police released video footage of the traffic stop and subsequent arrest. The recording captures several noteworthy moments, including a passenger exiting the vehicle during the incident, apparently "wanting nothing to do with this" according to police accounts.
Officers also commented on an unusual discovery within the vehicle—a substantial quantity of lollipops. While this detail may seem incidental, it adds a curious dimension to the overall narrative of the arrest.
Constable Bell concluded the released video with praise for the responding officers, stating "Good job officers" in recognition of their successful apprehension of the suspect.
Community Impact and Investigation Continuation
This case highlights ongoing concerns about dangerous driving behavior in the Brampton area and the risks such conduct poses to public safety. The characterization of Dhatt as a "prolific dangerous driver" underscores what authorities perceive as a pattern of reckless behavior requiring significant police resources to address.
Peel Regional Police are continuing their investigation and have requested public assistance. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact investigators at 905-453-3311, extension 3710. Anonymous tips can be provided to Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through their online portal at peelcrimestoppers.ca.
The case represents a collaborative effort between Peel Regional Police and the Canada Border Services Agency, demonstrating inter-agency cooperation in addressing complex criminal matters with multiple jurisdictional aspects.
