News Release

SIU Begins Investigation of Incident at Queen's Park

Case Number: 05-TCI-027   

Mississauga (9 March, 2005) --- The Special Investigations Unit has commenced an investigation of the circumstances surrounding injuries sustained today by a male who was burned in an incident outside at Queen's Park.

Initial information indicates that the male was operating a van in an erratic fashion during the course of an organized protest in front of the Legislature. At approximately 1:30 pm, officers intervened with their cruisers to physically wedge the van. Shortly after their cruisers made contact with the van, fire could be seen emanating from inside the van. The male was quickly extricated from the vehicle by emergency personnel on scene and taken to Sunnybrook Hospital.

Several SIU investigators, including forensic identification technicians, have been dispatched and will be investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.

The SIU is appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to contact the Unit at 416-641-1879 or 1-800-787-8529.

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
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES