News Release
SIU Continues Investigation into Vehicle Crash in Toronto
Case Number: 07-TVI-257
Witness Assistance
Just before 3:00 p.m., Friday December 28, 2007, a TPS officer attempted to stop a van in the area of Old Weston Rd. and St. Clair Ave. for a traffic offence. The officer followed the van though heavy traffic. The van travelled along a number of streets and then turned north on Keele St. As the van approached St. Clair Ave. it went through the red light and crossed into the southbound lanes of Weston Rd. At this point the officer activated the police car's emergency lights and siren. The officer stopped at St. Clair before proceeding through the intersection. The officer lost sight of the van after the van cleared the intersection. On Weston Rd. just north of Gunns Rd. the van's driver lost control of it. The van struck a pole on the east side of Weston Rd., spun around, hit a wall, and came to rest against another pole. The officers came upon the crash after it happened.
The 31-year-old male driver of the van was ejected from the van and landed in a snow bank. The 36-year-old male was trapped in the vehicle and had to be cut free by the Toronto Fire Department. Both the driver and passenger, who are Quebec residents, were taken by ambulance to Sunnybrook Hospital for treatment. The passenger was treated for chest injuries and released. The driver was admitted to hospital with a broken wrist and leg.
The SIU has assigned three field investigators and two forensic identification technicians to probe the circumstances surrounding this crash.
The SIU is appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to contact the Lead Investigator at 416-622-1957 or 1-800-787-8529 extension 1957.
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.
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SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES
Telephone/No de téléphone: 416-622-2342 or/ou 1-800-787-8529 extension 2342