News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation into Boy, 14, Fatally Struck by Car in Vaughan
Case Number: 23-OVD-418
Other News Releases Related to Case 23-OVD-418
SIU Appealing for Witnesses after Youth Struck by Vehicle in Vaughan
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe a York Regional Police officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the death of a 14-year-old boy last October in Vaughan.
The boy died on October 18, 2023, in hospital after he was struck by a car on Jane Street on October 13, 2023. The SIU was notified and investigated as the teen was being chased by an officer when he ran onto the road and was struck near Canada’s Wonderland.
The officer told the SIU he chased the teen to stop and investigate him for robbery as he observed the complainant running towards Jane Street across his path. Director Martino found it clear from the video footage that the male started to run away from the officer before the officer exited his cruiser. Director Martino found it unclear whether the male was even aware that the officer was in foot pursuit, meaning the complainant was not effectively forced onto the roadway.
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