News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation Into Belleville Collision
Case Number: 06-OVI-066
Other News Releases Related to Case 06-OVI-066
Five SIU investigators, including a collision reconstructionist, were assigned to probe the nature and extent of police involvement in the collision, in which 28-year-old Brandon Longhurst was seriously injured. Mr. Longhurst remained in a coma for three days after the collision and suffered multiple fractures.
As part of the SIU probe, investigators interviewed 15 civilian and police witnesses. BPS photographs, reports and recordings were reviewed. The SIU reconstructionist forensically mapped the collision scene, prepared a scale diagram and took measurements and photographs.
Director Cornish concluded that the driving of two subject officers designated during the investigation fell within the limits prescribed by the criminal law.
No further information will be released in respect of the collision due to the fact that the driver of one of the involved vehicles is facing charges as a result of this incident. A publication ban is also in place.
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