‘Aggressive’ panhandler charged after causing damage to car on highway

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser. (OPP/X)

By Andrea Bennett

Posted Mar 25, 2025 11:18:26 AM.

Last Updated Mar 25, 2025 11:38:17 AM.

An “aggressive panhandler” was charged after the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said the individual kicked a vehicle, resulting in damage.

On March 23, OPP officers with the Ottawa detachment responded to an incident on the Vanier Parkway off-ramp of Highway 417, where the individual kicked the car of a driver who refused to give them money, police said in a post on X.

A second driver called 911 after witnessing the incident, they added.

OPP said the accused has been charged with the following:

  • Mischief under $5,000
  • Solicit in an aggressive manner
  • Solicit person in vehicle on roadway

Officials are reminding residents that it is illegal to walk on any 400-series highways in Ontario, including on and off-ramps.

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