NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On July 2, 2024, at 1:35 a.m., Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Street Crime Unit, observed a 2011 BMW sedan being operated on Ferry Street near Main Street, in the City of Niagara Falls.
With the assistance of 2 District uniform patrol officers, a traffic stop was initiated on Lundy’s Lane near Drummond Road. The driver failed to stop and accelerated to a high rate of speed. As the driver was identified, a pursuit was not initiated in the interest of public safety and an arrest warrant was sought.
Later in the day, at 3:25 p.m., Street Crime detectives located the driver in a parking lot near Forsythe Street and Niagara Boulevard in the Town of Fort Erie. With the assistance of the NRPS Canine Unit he was placed under arrest. Search incident to arrest resulted in the seizure of 71.3 grams of suspected cocaine and $500 in Canadian currency believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of crime.
James Maxwell (41 years) of Fort Erie has been charged with the following criminal offences:
- Flight from peace officer
- Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
- Fail to comply with release order (x2)
Maxwell remains in police custody. He is scheduled to attend a bail hearing later today (July 3rd, 2024) via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009483.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
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