News Release

SIU Investigating the Death of a Markham Woman In a Two-Vehicle Collision in York Region

Case Number: 08-OVD-191   

TORONTO (17 September, 2008) --- The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Markham woman, who died in a collision with another vehicle following attempts by York Regional Police to stop her.

Sara Foy, 52 years of age, was killed when her van struck a dump truck at the intersection of Reesor Road and Highway #7 at approximately 2 p.m. Tuesday September 16, 2008. Police officers first spotted the vehicle in the area of Reesor Road and Steeles Avenue after citizens called police to report a motorist driving erratically. After previous attempts were made to stop the vehicle, an officer laid down a 'spike belt' on Reesor Road south of the collision scene; however, it failed to stop the van that proceeded north across the railroad tracks and into the intersection despite one of its tires being punctured by the belt.

A post-mortem is scheduled for later today.

The SIU is appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to contact the Unit at 416-622-0748, extension 9007 or 1-800-787-8529.

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
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES