News Release

News Release

SIU Investigates Incident in Essex OPP Area

Case Number: 09-PVI-019   

TORONTO (1 February, 2009) --- The SIU has dispatched three investigators, including a forensic identification investigator, to investigate injuries suffered by a 40-year-old Kingsville man, who was arrested by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers following a pursuit.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. on January 31, 2009, in the area of Highway 77, east of Essex, an OPP officer observed a vehicle that matched the description of a taxicab that was stolen earlier that day in the Town of Essex. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle but the vehicle drove away.

At approximately 6:30 p.m., while officers were attempting to stop the vehicle, the vehicle travelled into a ditch on Highway 3 near Sexton Sideroad. The driver was arrested at the scene. He later complained of pain and was transported to hospital, where it was determined that he had suffered fractured ribs.

The SIU is appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to contact then SIU at 416-622-1957 or 1-800-787-8529 x 1957.

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