Hamilton police arrested a 16-year-old suspect in connection with a stolen vehicle investigation after discovering a McDonald's receipt in the abandoned car.The vehicle, a black Ford Explorer, was found blocking traffic on Highway 8 and King Street East.Officer Matteo Ramundo initially thought the car was unoccupied but later confirmed it was stolen after checking the license plate.During a search, Ramundo found a McDonald's receipt dated July 20, which matched the vehicle's theft date a week prior.Using the receipt, police traced the car to a drive-through camera at McDonald's, where they identified the suspect through footage.

The youth, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and failure to comply with a prior youth sentence.Ramundo noted the significance of the receipt as evidence, emphasizing how even minor clues can advance investigations.The case highlights the role of technology, like drive-through cameras, in modern policing and the importance of thorough evidence collection.