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News Release

OPP Officer Charged in Kenora Vehicle Death

Case Number: 12-PVD-276

Other News Releases Related to Case 12-PVD-276
SIU Investigates Vehicle Death in Kenora
SIU Appeals for Witnesses to Fatal Vehicle Collision in Kenora
Appeals Form
Witness Form

Mississauga (8 November, 2012) --- The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ian Scott, has reasonable grounds to believe that an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer committed a criminal offence in relation to the death of 42-year-old Gloria Assin in a September 2012 incident in Kenora.  Director Scott has caused a charge to be laid against the officer.   
  
The SIU investigation determined that on September 23, 2012, at approximately 2:00 a.m., OPP officers were transporting Ms. Assin to the Kenora detachment.  At Highway 17A and Redditt Road, there was a collision between the marked cruiser and a tractor trailer.  Ms. Assin died as a result of the collision.
  
As a result of the SIU investigation, OPP Constable Troy Bender is facing one charge of Dangerous Driving Causing Death, contrary to s. 249(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

The officer is compelled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 216 Water Street in Kenora on December 20, 2012.  The Justice Prosecutions branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General will have carriage of the prosecution.

As this matter is now before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the charged officer and the community, the SIU will make no further comment pertaining to this investigation.
 

The SIU is an arm’s length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. Under the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU must

  • consider whether an officer has committed a criminal offence  in connection with the incident under investigation
  • depending on the evidence, lay a criminal charge against the officer if appropriate or close the file without any charges being laid
  • report the results of any investigations to the Attorney General. 

Monica Hudon
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES
Telephone/No de téléphone: 416-622-2342 or/ou 1-800-787-8529 extension 2342