News Release
SIU Appeals for Witnesses to Police Pursuit in London
Case Number: 05-OVD-122
Other News Releases Related to Case 05-OVD-122
SIU Concludes Investigation into London Collision
SIU Updates Collision in London
SIU Investigates Collision in London
The SIU is investigating the police pursuit and the circumstances surrounding the collision that occurred on August 17, 2005, in London. The pursuit route started at Nichol's arena and continued through the City of London to Highway 402 when it rolled into a ditch between Colonel Talbot and Wonderland Roads. The four occupants in the SUV were ejected from the car.
One of the deceased men has been identified as Sean Patrick McGrath, 37 years of age. The identity of the second deceased man has not been confirmed. Two men also suffered serious injuries and remain in hospital. Akili Roberts, is in stable condition and a fourth man is in critical condition.
There is no indication at this stage in the investigation that officers discharged their firearms during the police pursuit. The SIU has designated one subject and nine witness officers and over 10 civilian witness interviews have been conducted to date.
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