Man charged after vehicle rams Parliament Hill gates

UPDATE: On April 28, 2023, Maxwell Pate pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of a sword for a dangerous purpose and failing to comply with a release order barring him from possessing a weapon.Hewas found not criminally responsibleon account of mental disorder on Oct. 31, 2023.

Ottawa police have charged a man after a vehicle rammed the front gates of Parliament Hill early Wednesday morning.

Maxwell Pate,29,ischargedwith dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and mischief, according to court documents.

Around 3:30 a.m. ET, an unauthorized vehicle drove into the front gates on Wellington Street but was prevented from entering because of security barriers. According to police, damage to the gate is minimal.

The Ottawa Police Service said in a news release an officer who was nearby was able to take the driver into custody without incident.

Police say the investigation is ongoing. The man's next court appearance is set for Friday.

The crash was one of two bizarre incidents in downtown Ottawa Wednesday morning. Later Wednesday morning, an amphibious tour bus crashed into the fence at 24 Sussex Drive, the prime minister's unoccupied official residence.