News Release

SIU Discontinues Investigation into Springwater Fatal Collision

Case Number: 24-PVD-285   

Other News Releases Related to Case 24-PVD-285

SIU Investigating Fatal Collision in Springwater Township

Mississauga, ON (30 August, 2024) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has terminated an investigation into a fatal collision that occurred in July in Springwater.

In the afternoon of July 3, 2024, while travelling north on Crossland Road approaching Concession Road 4 West, an Ontario Provincial Police officer clocked a southbound Tesla at 118 km/h. Deciding to stop the vehicle for speeding, the officer executed a three-point turn to travel south. By the time she had completed the maneuver, the Tesla was no longer in sight. The 17-year-old male driver of the Tesla continued at speed passing southbound traffic in the northbound lane. He lost control of the Tesla in the area of Crossland Road’s intersection with Tiny Flos Townline and travelled southeast into a field by the side of the road, his vehicle coming to rest some 500 metres east of the roadway. The driver was killed in the collision.  His passenger – a 17-year-old female – was seriously injured. The officer arrived at the site of the collision and radioed for assistance. 

Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, including a review of video footage that largely captured the incident, Director Martino was satisfied the investigation should be discontinued. About a minute-and-a-half had elapsed from the moment the officer had turned to pursue the Tesla. At no time does it appear the officer had the Tesla in sight from that point in time. On this record, it is evident that the officer did nothing that could conceivably attract criminal liability in connection with the collision. The file has been closed.

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

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Monica Hudon, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES