News Release

SIU Renews Appeal for Witnesses to Fatal Collision Involving An Ontario Provincial Police Officer in Thunder Bay

Case Number: 08-PVD-256   

TORONTO (8 December, 2008) --- The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is once again appealing for witnesses to a fatal motor vehicle collision in Thunder Bay involving an Ontario Provincial Police officer last Wednesday, December 3rd.

The SIU is specifically asking any motorist, who may have seen the unmarked cruiser on Highway 11/17 at one of two intersections, to come forward: either at the collision scene at Twin City Crossroads at approximately 9:50 a.m. or minutes earlier at Maple Ward Road.

The SIU is also appealing to the man, who contacted the SIU with information about the incident but declined to give his name, to call the Unit and offer further assistance.
The SIU wishes to acknowledge the co-operation of media agencies in Thunder Bay, whose published reports and broadcasts have, thus far, located six witnesses to the collision that claimed the life of 18-year-old Jasmine Veneruzzo of Oliver Paipoonge, a rural community west of Thunder Bay.

The motorist being asked to come forward or anyone who either witnessed the collision or is able to describe events prior to it, is asked to contact the SIU at 1-800-787-8529, extension 2290 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES