B.C. man who livestreamed driving his car into the ocean sentenced to 1-year's probation

A B.C. man who drove his car into Burrard Inlet last March while livestreaming the event has been granted a conditional discharge and placed on a year's probation after pleading guilty to mischief under $5,000.

On Wednesday, a judge in Port Coquitlam, B.C., handed Jawad Mazen Fawwaz, who was born in 2004, a conditional discharge and a $100 fine, according to the B.C. Prosecution Service.

A conditional discharge allows a person found guilty of a criminal offence to avoid a criminal record if they can meet the conditions set by the court. 

Fawwaz was also ordered to pay nearly $3,000 in restitution to the City of Port Moody and complete 30 hours of community service for the city by the end of next May.

In September, Fawwaz pleaded guilty to the charge of mischief under $5,000. Police recommended the charges after Fawwaz was seen driving his car into the ocean on a live stream hosted by popular U.S.-based streamer Adin Ross.

In a March 4, 2024, livestream, Ross can be seen speaking with a man before he drives his car into the ocean at the Rocky Point boat launch in Port Moody, B.C. 

Ross told the man to state his full name and say, "Adin Ross is not liable for any of this."

The man jumped out of his car before it was submerged, left his car in the ocean and returned to speak with Ross, who said, "Once I see that a towing company is there, I'll send money."

Police in Port Moody arrested the driver at the scene. 

WATCH | Man drives his car into the ocean on livestream:

Man arrested after allegedly driving car into the sea for livestream stunt

9 months ago

Duration 0:47

Port Moody police say they received a call reporting that a man was driving his vehicle into the Burrard Inlet at the boat launch because he was being paid to do so as part of a video livestream. A representative with the Port Moody police department called the incident "very reckless, careless." The U.S.-based streamer involved, Adin Ross, didn't respond to CBC News' request for comment.

Port Moody Police Department Const. Sam Zacharias said that on the live stream, Ross is heard offering Fawwaz $10,000 US to drive his car into the ocean, but it's not clear if money ever actually changed hands. 

"This incident is very concerning because it can put the public at risk, potentially first responders at risk, and there's obviously environmental impact," he said. "It was certainly reckless and careless."

Ross did not respond to a request for comment.