Culprit wanted for drug trafficking and seriously injuring a cop in Burlington

Halton police are on the hunt for a man who was caught with substances inside his vehicle following a random check and then resorted to violent behaviour— seriously injuring an officer, before fleeing the scene.

On Saturday (July 22) in the early hours of the morning, police say they conducted a traffic stop on Plains Rd. E., northwest of LaSalle, in the City of Burlington.

According to police, during the investigation, an officer formed grounds to arrest the suspect under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

However, police confirm a violent struggle with the offender ensued, resulting in the officer sustaining serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police have identified the suspect as Matthew Flannigan who escaped the area at a high rate of speed.

At this time, his whereabouts are unknown.

Flannigan, 31, is described as a white man with a height of five-foot-nine. He has brown braided hair.

At the time of the incident police say Flannigan was driving  a blue 2021 Honda CRV with Ontario license plate CVFS 405.

The officer who was transported to a hospital, has since been released.

A First-instance warrant has been issued for Flannigan and the charges include: Possession of a substance for the purpose of trafficking and assaulting a police officer causing bodily harm.

Anyone with information about Matthew Flannigan’s whereabouts is requested to call 9-1-1.