Pair arrested for ramming car wash with large truck

Owner calls incident a ‘failure of our judicial system’ when he learns one of the accused had outstanding warrants

Hamilton police have arrested two men in connection to a brazen break and enter at a Stoney Creek car wash that left a witness seriously injured and resulted in more than $1 million in damage.

Officers were called to MJ’s EZEE Clean car wash, located in the area of Highway 8 and Green Road, for multiple reports of a large commercial vehicle having driven into the building just after 7 a.m. on Feb. 5.

Before fleeing the scene in a dark-coloured, two-door Chevrolet Silverado getaway truck, police allege the suspects spotted, chased and deliberately struck a 43-year-old man who witnessed their break-in attempt.

The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries, but was expected to survive.

In a news release Friday, police announced they had identified and arrested two individuals they allege were involved in the incident.

Const. Krista-Lee Ernst told The Spectator that both of the suspects were previously known to police. She also confirmed the victim was not known to the suspects.

A 28-year-old man from Hamilton is facing several charges, including attempted murder and two counts of break and enter over $5,000.

He was also wanted on outstanding warrants in the city for a number of offences including flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and four counts of failing to comply with probation, according to police.

A 45-year-old man from Hamilton is also facing several charges, including break and enter over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.

Reacting to the news of the arrests late Friday afternoon, car wash owner Scott Murray called the situation “another example of a failure of our judicial system” in a short phone interview with The Spectator.

“I’m just outraged,” said Murray, pointing to the probation violation charges already laid against the 28-year-old suspect. “This (situation) has been allowed to happen … and it has to change.”

Murray said while he’s glad that police have made arrests in the incident, his business remains affected and the innocent victim, who he describes as a Good Samaritan, has a “long road to recovery” ahead of him.

As previously reported, the business is down eight wash bays and looking at north of $1 million in repairs. The car wash remains partially opened, Murray noted.

“There are a lot of people affected by this,” said Murray. “I’m asking that people continue to pray for the witness.”

Police believe there are additional suspects connected to the incident. It’s unclear how many other people may have been involved.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Robert DiIanni at 905-5463836.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips online at crimestoppershamilton.com.