News Release
SIU Terminates Investigation into Fatal Collision in Lindsay
Case Number: 06-OVD-174
The SIU learned that earlier that afternoon at about 4:15 p.m., there was a head-on collision between a dump truck and four vehicles. One of the vehicles involved an unmarked City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service cruiser, driven by an on duty officer. As a result of the multi-vehicle collision, a 48-year-old male driver was killed. The police officer, who was the sole occupant in his car, suffered very serious injuries. The drivers of the other two vehicles suffered minor injuries.
Based on the fact that a police officer was involved in the collision, SIU investigators examined the circumstances of the collision to determine the nature and extent of police involvement. After reviewing the evidence gathered to date, the Director of the SIU has decided to terminate the investigation. Director James Cornish stated, "Based on the evidence, it is clear the officer in no way caused or contributed to this tragic collision. "
The SIU has terminated its investigation and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will now provide any information about the 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