News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation into OPP-Involved Crash in Simcoe County
Case Number: 21-PVI-399
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has found no reasonable grounds to believe that an Ontario Provincial Police officer committed a criminal offence in connection with a crash involving a pickup truck and police SUV in the Township of Essa last November.
On November 23, 2021, the officer was driving west on 20th Sideroad within the speed limit, entered the intersection of 10th Line with the right of way, and struck the pickup truck as it travelled north into his path. The driver of the pickup was taken to hospital and diagnosed with a cervical vertebra fracture.
Director Martino concluded that there was no evidence to suggest the officer had comported himself without due care and regard for public safety. The file has been closed.
Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision):
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
Lisez ce communiqué en français.
Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES