News Release

News Release

SIU Concludes Investigation into Collision After Man Fled Police in South Bruce

Case Number: 26-PVI-159   

Mississauga, ON (31 July, 2026) ---
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe two Ontario Provincial Police officers committed a criminal offence after a 38-year-old man was injured when he hit the ditch while fleeing police in a field near Westford. On April 2, 2026, police were seeking to capture the man for a carjacking and his involvement in a string of auto thefts in the Stratford area. He had reportedly carjacked a pickup truck and was evading police when he crashed, causing multiple rib fractures and a broken back.

Director Martino found the man fled of his volition to evade arrest, driving at speeds of up to 110 km/h through the farmer’s field. He found no evidence there was a police pursuit. During his arrest, the man was grounded with no indication any additional force or strikes were used. The man, himself, attributed his injuries to the collision with the embankment.

Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision):

If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by an incident under SIU investigation and would like support, the Affected Persons Program is here to help. You can reach us at 1-877-641-1897. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7, every day of the year.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, 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