‘Trading seats’ after crash leads to charge for Brampton driver, police say

Police have charged a Brampton man with an obstruction-related charge after allegedly ‘trading seats’ following a crash in Guelph.

The investigation started on June 1 when the Guelph Police Service says a man attended the Collision Reporting Centre and told staff he was involved in a collision with another vehicle.

Police didn’t say when the crash took place, but say the man reported he was a passenger in one of the vehicles.

But days later, police say the driver of the second vehicle also came to the Collision Reporting Centre and told investigators the man who claimed to be a passenger was actually the other driver.

The second driver told police that the man who first reported the incident was behind the wheel when the collision happened, and switched seats with his passenger after the crash.

Police say a 48-year-old man from Brampton was arrested on Thursday and charged with obstructing a peace officer. Police have not released the name of the accused, who is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 22.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact Guelph police by calling 1-888-310-1122. 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.