A Brampton man already prohibited from driving has been arrested after crashing a stolen semi-truck into a police cruiser during a pursuit in the city, police say.
According to Peel Regional Police, the incident stems from the theft of a tractor-trailer unit on Dec. 21 from a repair shop near East Drive and Torbram Road in Brampton. Officers located the stolen truck the following day near Williams Parkway and Humberwest Parkway.
Police said the tractor unit had been attached to a trailer that had previously been reported stolen from Halton.
When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused and struck a marked police cruiser. Video footage released by police shows the tractor-trailer smashing into the cruiser, shattering its windshield as the patrol car became briefly wedged beneath the trailer. No officers were injured, though the cruiser sustained extensive damage.
The pursuit continued until the stolen truck broke down. Police said the driver then attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody.
The accused, identified as Nirmal Singh, 42, of Brampton, faces multiple charges, including five counts of possession of property obtained by crime, flight from police, and dangerous operation. Investigators also laid eight counts of operation while prohibited, noting Singh is subject to a Canada-wide driving suspension.
Police said Singh has an extensive criminal history, including approximately 35 Criminal Code convictions and eight convictions under the Provincial Offences Act. His prior offences include assault, impaired operation, dangerous operation, breach of probation, and criminal harassment. In April 2024, he was also charged with theft of a motor vehicle and two counts of operation while prohibited.
Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact Peel Regional Police at 905-453-3311. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through peelcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.