Hamilton police are still searching for a 19-year-old woman who is allegedly collided with a cruise ship and then seriously injured two officers in a hit and run hours later on New Years Eve.
Hannah pietrantuono you are wanted on two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, failing to stop after an accident that causes bodily harm, two counts of parole breach, driving while intoxicated, dangerous driving, fleeing from peace officer, failing to stop after an accident and resist arrest.
The police are encouraging Pietrantuono to seek legal advice and turn himself in to the police. They also warn that anyone helping the 19-year-old could face criminal charges.
Since police released Pietrantuono’s photo Tuesday afternoon, detectives have received a lot of helpful advice, said police spokesman Const. Indy Bharaj. Detectives continue to search for Pietrantuono.
Shortly before 1 p.m. on December 31, someone called police to report that a driver was asleep at the wheel with a bong on his lap at Fennell Avenue East and Hoover Crescent. When officers arrived, they immobilized his car, a red 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe. However, during the maneuver, the driver woke up and allegedly rammed one of the police vehicles, causing extensive damage, before managing to flee.
Just after 2:30 p.m., police tweeted a photo of the patrol car with a sunken side and asked the public to call 911 if they saw the vehicle.
Police allege the same woman was behind the wheel of the SUV, a rental car, in a promenade lane at Claremont Access shortly before 11pm
The way the RIDE lane is set up, drivers cannot see it until they have entered the scarp access. There is nowhere to turn and drivers are funneled into a single lane. Officers were standing on the left side, so they could speak to drivers as they stopped to check for disabled drivers.
At around 10:55 p.m., that same rented van merged into the RIDE lane and suddenly veered to the left, accelerating, and hitting two officers who were standing at the checkpoint.
The two officers who were beaten were left unconscious on the road and seriously injured. Both have undergone surgery and are expected to face a long road to recovery.
Other police officers on the scene and witnesses rushed to help the injured officers.
The rental SUV was found abandoned one block from the top of Claremont Access at Inverness Avenue and Belair Drive. Police allege that the driver then fled on foot.
Pietrantuono is described as a white woman, five foot nine, 143 pounds, with brown hair.
Since her image was posted, there has been a flood of comments on social media, including community and law enforcement leaders condemning the acts and offering well wishes to recovering officers. There have also been posts on Pietrantuono’s accounts where many have asked for harsher charges.
It is unclear to the public whether the driver targeted police or was reckless in fleeing. Police say they have not ruled anything out and the charges may be updated if there is evidence.
Detectives recovered surveillance video from the area where the driver fled. Any witnesses or anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators should call 905-546-4925.
If Pietrantuono is seen, the police ask the public to call 911. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.crimestoppershamilton.com.
Nicole O’Reilly is a crime and justice reporter for The Spectator. [email protected]
Reference-www.thestar.com