(HEARST, ON) – A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver is facing multiple charges after being observed switching seats with a passenger in an attempt to avoid charges during a traffic stop in Hearst.
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the James Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic stop on Front Street after observing a CMV driver using a handheld communication device. A witness reported seeing the driver and passenger switch seats while the vehicle was still in motion.
Officers located the original driver hiding in the sleeper berth of the vehicle. The passenger initially denied the switch, but further investigation confirmed the deception. Additional inspection revealed multiple violations related to the driver’s daily logs and inspection reports.
As a result, Gurkirat SINGH, 27 years-of-age from Caledon was arrested and charged with:
· Dangerous operation
· Obstruct a peace officer
· Drive – handheld communication device
· Fail to maintain daily log
· Fail to accurately complete daily inspection report
· Fail to surrender completed daily inspection report
· Fail to properly record duty status changes
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Hearst on November 5, 2025.
Additionally, the vehicle’s passenger, a 25-year-old from Mississauga, was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with Making a False Statement. That individual is scheduled to appear before the Provincial Offences Court in Hearst on November 12, 2025.