News Release
SIU Concludes London Collision Investigation
Case Number: 06-OVI-080
Other News Releases Related to Case 06-OVI-080
The SIU investigation revealed that on that date at about 3:44 a.m., two LPS officers were in a marked cruiser on routine patrol in the area of Wharncliffe and Comissioners Roads in London. The officers saw a red Ford Aerostar van, which was determined to be stolen, traveling southbound on Wharncliffe Road. The van entered a parking lot and turned around to travel northbound on Wharncliffe.
The officers initiated a pursuit of the van and were joined by a second cruiser in the area of Wharncliffe and Belmont Drive. The two cruisers were attempting a 'tandem stop' when the driver of the van lost control and struck a utility pole at the northeast corner of Wharncliffe and Bruce Street.
There were four passengers in the van. The 38-year-old male driver suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries. Two of the passengers were treated for fractures and the third passenger was uninjured.
Based on all the available evidence, Director Cornish concluded the subject officers' conduct throughout the pursuit fell within the level of care prescribed by the criminal law.
The driver of the van is facing charges as a result of this incident and as a result, the SIU will not make any further comment on this incident.
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