Right Place, Right Time: Neighbourhood team stops Crime in Progress

The new Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT) nabbed a hit and run suspect with the help of Patrol and Traffic officers as well as members of the public.

They were working in Vanier at 12:30 pm Tuesday when a 911 call came in for a hit and run collision on Montreal Rd. A vehicle traveling westbound had turned suddenly in front of an eastbound car and the driver took off before police arrived.

The NRT, along with Traffic and Patrol officers, searched the area and located the suspect vehicle abandoned. Thanks to the help of observant witnesses, NRT officers quickly found the 30-year-old man hiding in a bus shelter and arrested him.

The man is charged with several Highway Traffic Act offences:

• Drive while suspended
• Fail To Remain at the scene of a collision
• Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
• Use plates not authorized for the vehicle
• Driving without a licence

The incident is alarming because the man showed little regard for public safety, not only because he lacked the proper driving documents, but continuing to drive while suspended and in a manner that put other road users at risk.

This is just one of many stories about the new NRT unit, which started working in the city October 21. Not only do they respond to crime in progress, but the teams also actively work to build relationships within their assigned neighbourhoods, with a focus on public safety. For the past month, they have been a visible presence in three assigned areas to respond to local concerns and priority calls when there is an immediate need for police response.