News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation into Male, 15, Injured During Pursuit in Hamilton
Case Number: 24-OVI-388
The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Hamilton Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the seriously injury of a 15-year-old male in a collision during a pursuit in Hamilton.
On September 15, 2024, an officer attempted to pull over the driver of a Honda Accord for speeding on Upper Wellington Street. The vehicle was later found to have been stolen. The driver attempted to drive between two vehicles stopped for a red light when he struck one of them and came to rest inside the intersection. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured. The driver of the Accord was eventually taken to hospital and diagnosed with a fractured left clavicle.
Director Joseph Martino was satisfied the officer comported himself with due care and regard for public safety throughout the pursuit. His concern was the officer’s top speed – upwards of 130 km/h – which he reached while eastbound on Mohawk Road East. He found the speed was dangerous but not a marked departure from a reasonable standard of care in light of the overall circumstances.
Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision):
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must
- consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
- depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
- publicly report the results of its investigations
Lisez ce communiqué en français.
Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES