Man wanted for violent assault of Halton police officer during traffic stop

Halton police are searching for Matthew Flannigan who they say assaulted a police officer during a traffic stop in Burlington on July 22, 2023. HRPS/HO

By John Marchesan

Posted July 22, 2023 4:28 pm.

Halton police are searching for a 31-year-old man who assaulted an officer during a traffic stop early Saturday morning in Burlington.

Police say the officer pulled over a vehicle on Plains Road and was in the process of arresting the driver on suspicion of drug charges when a “violent struggle” began resulting in the officer suffering serious but non-life threatening injuries.

The driver fled the scene in the vehicle and his whereabouts are unknown.

Police say Matthew Flannigan is wanted on charges of drug possession, assaulting a police officer and dangerous operation of a vehicle. He’s described as five-foot-nine with brown braided hair. He was last seen driving a blue 2021 Honda CRV with license plate CVFS 405.

Police say the officer has been treated and since released from hospital.

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