(ELGIN COUNTY, ON) – Elgin OPP investigating a collision that sent on-duty officer to hospital with serious injuries.
On July 20, 2025, at 10:45 a.m., a member of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Highway Safety division (HSD), observed a suspicious vehicle travelling on Highway 3 in Elgin County, at which time a traffic stop was initiated.
During the investigation, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene, striking the officer.
As a result, members of the Elgin County OPP and Medavie-Elgin EMS were dispatched to the scene to assist.
The officer was transported to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
Highway 3 was closed between Centennial Avenue and First Avenue as a result.
The driver of the suspect vehicle was later located by members of the Elgin OPP and taken into custody.
As a result, Darren HAMDEN a 40-year-old of London, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:
- Dangerous Operation causing bodily harm
- Flight from peace officer
- Resist Peace Officer
- Assault with intent to resist arrest
- Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice (Identity fraud)
- Failure to comply with release order – other than to attend court (two counts)
The accused was held for bail.
The Elgin OPP can be contacted anywhere, anytime at 1-888-310-1122.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Elgin-Middlesex Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.