Two truck drivers from Caledon and Mississauga are facing charges after police say they swapped seats while their transport truck was still in motion in northern Ontario.
The incident happened around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday on Front Street in Hearst, roughly 260 kilometres west of Timmins. Ontario Provincial Police say the vehicle was first pulled over for distracted driving after officers spotted the driver using a handheld device.
According to investigators, the driver then switched seats with a passenger while the truck was still moving. Officers later found the original driver hiding in the sleeper bunk.
A subsequent inspection revealed multiple violations related to daily logs and inspection reports.
Charges Laid
- Gurkirat Singh, 27, of Caledon — charged with dangerous operation, obstructing a peace officer, using a handheld communication device while driving, and failing to maintain a daily log. He has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 5.
- A 25-year-old from Mississauga — charged under the Highway Traffic Act with making a false statement and is scheduled to appear in Provincial Offences Court in Hearst on Nov. 12.
Police are reminding drivers that anyone who witnesses suspected impaired or unsafe driving can report it by calling 911 when safe to do so, or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, with the chance to receive a reward of up to $2,000.