News Release

SIU Concludes Kitchener Collision Investigation

Case Number: 06-OVI-097   

Other News Releases Related to Case 06-OVI-097

SIU Investigates Collision in Kitchener

TORONTO (27 June, 2006) --- The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), James Cornish, has concluded that a Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) officer is not criminally responsible in relation to a collision that occurred in Kitchener on June 7, 2006.

The SIU investigation determined that at approximately 1:19 a.m. on that date, the officer's attention was drawn to a vehicle being driven in an erratic manner. The officer followed the vehicle on Bridge St. and immediately activated her roof lights. The driver did not stop his vehicle and instead turned onto Woolwich St. The officer applied the siren, drove around the corner and lost sight of the vehicle.

The officer slowly cruised the area, checking down side streets and found the car, which had struck a hydro pole near Woolwich St. and Sunbridge Cres. The pursuit lasted approximately 45 seconds and covered less than one-half kilometre.

The officer administered first aid to the driver, 39-year-old Radu Gruescu, until paramedics arrived. Mr. Gruescu was taken to Grand River Hospital where he was treated for fractures to his legs and wrist.

Director Cornish concluded, "The officer attempted to stop Mr. Gruescu but was unsuccessful in doing so and, within a matter of seconds, Mr. Gruescu's vehicle had collided with a utility pole. The officer had ample grounds to stop him. There is no reason to believe that this officer did anything to cause or contribute to this man's injuries.

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