News Release
SIU Concludes Collision Investigation in Welland
Case Number: 08-OVI-273
Other News Releases Related to Case 08-OVI-273
SIU Investigates Motor Vehicle Collision Involving Niagara Regional Police
Three investigators along with two forensic investigators were assigned to probe the circumstances of the collision.
At approximately 5:20 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008, a Niagara Regional Police Service officer attempted to stop a pick-up truck on Niagara Street North in Welland. The vehicle, which had been earlier reported stolen, did not stop. A short pursuit ensued. The driver of the truck lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the wall of the Pizza Hut Restaurant on Niagara Street.
The driver of the truck fled the scene of the collision, but was apprehended by NRPS officers nearby. An 18-year-old male passenger was taken to hospital and treated for a broken arm. A 17-year-old female passenger was treated at hospital and released.
Director Scott said, "The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. In attempting to elude the police the driver of the pick up truck began a left hand turn, lost control of his vehicle, and collided with a brick wall. As a result of the collision, the 18-year-old male sustained a broken arm."
Director Scott added, "The officer had the legal authority to stop the vehicle. The pursuit engaged in by the officer could not be considered dangerous, as defined by the Criminal Code, given the time of day it took place (5:30 a.m. and accordingly very few pedestrians or other drivers) and its short duration. The injury to the 18-year-old passenger was caused by the truck's driver driving in a dangerous manner, leading to his losing control of his vehicle."
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