Molotov cocktail in stolen vehicle leads to charges for Brampton man

Police have charged a Brampton man and a teen from north of Toronto after finding an incendiary device known as a Molotov cocktail in a stolen vehicle.

What started as a stolen vehicle investigation happened on Thursday shortly before 12 a.m. while officers were on patrol in the area of Upper Horning Road, the Hamilton Police Service says.

That’s when officers spotted a stolen black Honda Civic and attempted to stop the vehicle, but investigators say the driver sped off and fled from police.

But the driver struck a Hamilton police cruiser and two suspects tried to flee the scene on foot. Police say both suspects were taken into custody and one of the males suffered an injury.

The Special Investigation Unit has been notified, as the police watchdog agency investigates police incidents in Ontario involving death, serious injury, the discharge of a firearm, or allegations of sexual assault.

A search of the vehicle turned up a Molotov cocktail, which was seized. The vehicle was towed for further examination. Molotov cocktails are an improvised incendiary device, usually made from a glass bottle filled with a flammable liquid like gasoline or alcohol fitted with a cloth wick.

Hamilton police say a 17-year-old male youth from York and a 22-year-old male from Brampton are facing charges of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, flight from police officer, possession of incendiary material and possession contrary to order.

The names of the accused have not been released by investigators.

Anyone who has information that they believe can assist police with this investigation is asked to contact the Hamilton police on-duty Division 30 Staff Sergeant by calling 905-546-3886. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.