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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Ontario’s Police Watchdog Updates Investigation into Fatal Wrong-Way Pursuit on Highway 401
Ontario’s police watchdog provided an update on Wednesday regarding its investigation into a fatal wrong-way pursuit on Highway 401, revealing that the two officers under investigation have declined to be interviewed.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has designated two subject officers in the case related to the tragic April 29 crash in Whitby, which claimed the lives of four individuals, including an infant and their grandparents. The officers in question have not agreed to be interviewed or submit their notes, according to the SIU.
While 19 witness officials have been designated, interviews with them are currently ongoing.
Global News crime analyst and former Toronto police officer Hank Idsinga commented on the officers’ decision not to consent to an interview, stating that it is not uncommon, especially in serious incidents like this.
Idsinga added, “Nobody has to speak to an investigator in this country if they don’t want to. They’re all within their rights.”
Regarding the witness officers, Idsinga mentioned that they are required to cooperate and provide statements and notes to the SIU.
In an email response to Global News, the SIU clarified that officers who are the subject of an investigation are invited but not compelled to present themselves for an interview with the SIU, and they are not obligated to submit their notes to the SIU.
As part of the investigation, 36 civilian witnesses have been identified and interviewed, and the SIU has obtained over 100 videos from various sources, including in-car cameras, body cams, civilian recordings, Ministry of Transportation footage, and drone footage.
Idsinga highlighted the significance of the case for the SIU, noting that the investigation involves seven investigators, two forensic investigators, and one collision reconstructionist.
He also emphasized the labor-intensive nature of collecting and reviewing video evidence, stating, “That takes up an awful lot of time, on top of everything else that they have to do: lots of interviews and lots of reviewing of reports and notes and 911 calls and dispatch calls and the collision reconstruction — it’s a big investigation.”
By law, the SIU must complete its investigation within 120 days of the incident. The tragic crash on Highway 401 claimed the lives of a 60-year-old man, a 55-year-old woman, and their three-month-old grandson, who were visiting from India. The infant’s parents, who reside in Ajax, Ont., survived the incident.
The SIU confirmed that Durham police were pursuing a cargo van linked to an alleged liquor store robbery in Clarington, Ont., which ultimately led to the fatal crash on Highway 401. The driver of the van, a 21-year-old man, and a 38-year-old male passenger were among the casualties, while a 27-year-old woman who was seriously injured has since been released from the hospital.
The incident raised questions about the decision to pursue the van in the wrong direction on the highway, prompting Durham police to fast-track suspect pursuit training following the tragedy.
The SIU, as an independent agency, investigates incidents involving police that have resulted in death, serious injury, or alleged sexual assault.
— With files from The Canadian Press
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