Police officer, cruiser hit during alleged impaired driving arrest in Burlington, Ont.

Police in Burlington, Ont., say they’ve charged a Brampton driver who allegedly hit an officer with a car and crashed into a police cruiser while trying to evade arrest on Wednesday night.

Halton Regional Police (HRPS) say the incident unfolded at a Shell gas station on Walkers Line and Mainway, after officers received a report around 10:30 p.m. about a Mercedes with front end damage driving erratically on the QEW.

Investigators say officers approached the driver and a passenger, after they pumped gas into the suspect car, and discovered that the licence plates on the vehicle did not match its registration.

As police began an arrest on suspicion of impairment, the driver jumped back into the Mercedes and drove off hitting an officer and a cruiser in the process, according to detectives.

After a brief pursuit by HRPS, the chase was called off due to public safety concerns. Detectives say the vehicle then entered a residential neighbourhood on Sutherland Drive and parked in a driveway.

Officers caught up with the suspects after receiving a tip from a homeowner who spotted the damaged vehicle. Police say both the driver and passenger had to be shot with a stun gun as they attempted to evade officers once again, this time outside of a residence in Burlington.

The driver was sent to hospital with an eye injury, while a passenger and police officer also suffered minor injuries.

Detectives say the 29-year-old driver from Brampton is facing 12 charges, while the 32-year-old passenger from Toronto is facing three charges.

Police believe the Mercedes was stolen and are trying to ascertain how the car sustained extensive front end damage. Investigators believe it may have been involved in a collision with another motor vehicle in the Oakville area earlier in the evening.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Halton police at 905-825-4747 ext. 2316 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.