Driver Flees Traffic Stop, Then Charged With Fleeing, Drug Trafficking

PRESS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On July 2, 2024, at 1:35 a.m., Niagara Regional Police Service detectives assigned to the Street Crimes Unit observed a 2011 BMW sedan traveling on Ferry Street near Main Street in the City of Niagara Falls.

With the assistance of patrol officers, a traffic stop was conducted on Lundy's Lane near Drummond Road. The driver failed to stop and accelerated at a high rate of speed. As the driver was identified, no prosecution was initiated in the interest of public safety and an arrest warrant was requested.

Later that 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 K9 Unit, he was arrested. A search conducted during the arrest resulted in the seizure of 71.3 grams of suspected cocaine and $500 in Canadian currency believed to have been acquired with the proceeds of crime.

James Maxwell (41) of Fort Erie has been charged with the following criminal offences:

• Escape of a peace officer
• Possession of proceeds of crime worth less than $5,000
• Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
• Failure to comply with release order (x2)

Maxwell remains in police custody. He is scheduled to attend a bail hearing later today (July 3, 2024) via video link at the St. Catharines courthouse.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 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 individuals who contact the program with information leading to an arrest.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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