News Release

News Release

Due to No Statement or Medical Records from Man, SIU Discontinues Toronto Collision Investigation

Case Number: 26-TVI-009   

Mississauga, ON (22 April, 2026) ---
The Deputy Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Stacey O’Brien, has terminated an investigation into a collision that occurred in Toronto in January.

In the afternoon of January 5, 2026, a Toronto Police Service officer was operating his police vehicle southbound on Leslie Street in Toronto when the Automated Licence Plate Recognition alerted him to a stolen vehicle ahead. The officer activated his emergency lighting and attempted to initiate a traffic stop of the Toyota Corolla. The 49-year-old male driver did not comply with the attempted traffic stop and accelerated, fleeing from the officer. A brief pursuit ensued, but for safety reasons was discontinued. The driver of the Toyota subsequently swerved into another vehicle, causing both vehicles to collide with a metal guardrail. The driver of the Toyota was taken to hospital and reportedly diagnosed with a fractured pelvis and a ruptured spleen.   

Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, Deputy Director O’Brien was satisfied that the investigation should be discontinued. Despite repeated efforts by SIU investigators, the man declined to participate in an interview and did not consent to the release of his medical records. In the absence of a statement, or confirmation of ‘serious injury’ within the mandate of the SIU, the unit is without jurisdiction to proceed with this investigation. The file has been closed.

If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by an incident under SIU investigation and would like support, the Affected Persons Program is here to help. You can reach us at 1-877-641-1897. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7, every day of the year.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, 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