News Release
SIU Concludes Collision Investigation in Cambridge
Case Number: 04-OVI-131
Waterloo police notified the SIU that a Chrysler Intrepid had crashed into a hydro pole on Townline Road. The 37-year-old driver of the car suffered a broken neck and back and the 35-year-old passenger suffered a broken leg and internal injuries.
During the SIU probe, investigators canvassed the collision scene for witnesses and designated a total of 5 subject and 9 witness officers from the WRPS. SIU forensic identification technicians photographed and measured the collision scene and thoroughly examined the Intrepid and police cruiser. A collision reconstruction report was also prepared.
The SIU investigation determined that at approximately 4:11 a.m., a WRPS officer in a marked cruiser was patrolling Pinebush Road when he heard an audible alarm coming from nearby. The officer responded to the area of the alarm and noticed a Chrysler Intrepid that was backed up to the front door of a computer store.
As the officer approached two men ran from the store into the car, which quickly sped away. The officer activated the cruiser's lights and siren and advised the dispatcher that he was in pursuit of a car.
The Intrepid sped eastbound on Pinebush Road and disobeyed a red traffic signal at the intersection with Franklin Avenue. The officer slowed for the intersection and lost sight of the car. The officer traveled north on Townline Road, slowly patrolling for the car. Near the area of Townline and Wellington Side Roads, the officer came upon the wrecked Intrepid in a ditch. The car had lost control and struck a hydro pole.
Director Cornish stated the driver of the Intrepid caused the accident and that the officers involved in this case were only doing their duty and did nothing to cause this collision.
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