News Release
SIU Investigates Death in Hamilton
Case Number: 09-OVD-072
Other News Releases Related to Case 09-OVD-072
At approximately 8:17 p.m. Saturday March 28, 2009 an HPS officer attempted to pull over a vehicle travelling eastbound on Wilson Street. The driver did not stop for the officer. The vehicle entered the intersection of Wellington Street where it collided with a van.
The driver of the vehicle, and his passenger, 18 year old Natasha Ritchie, were transported to Hamilton General Hospital. The four occupants of the van along with a pedestrian, who was injured as a result of the collision, were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
Ms. Ritchie succumbed to her injuries early this morning. A post mortem will be conducted today.
The SIU is appealing for anyone who may have been in area of Wilson Street and Wellington Street last evening shortly after 8:00 p.m., or anyone who may have witnessed this incident, to contact the lead investigator at 416-622-1898 or
1-800-787-8529 extension 1898.
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