News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation into Carleton Place Collision
Case Number: 09-PVI-177
Other News Releases Related to Case 09-PVI-177
The SIU assigned four investigators and two forensic investigators to probe the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.
The SIU investigation determined that an OPP officer saw a vehicle leave a motel parking lot at a high rate of speed. The officer activated his emergency equipment, but the vehicle did not stop. The officer pursued the vehicle on Highway 7. The driver of the vehicle, 42-year-old Kelly James Hodges of Ottawa, lost control of his vehicle and collided with a westbound SUV. Mr. Hodges suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus. The driver of the westbound vehicle was taken to Carleton Place Hospital where he was treated and released.
Director Scott said, "The subject officer had the lawful authority to enter into the pursuit pursuant to s. 3 of the 'Suspect Apprehension Pursuit' regulation to the Police Services Act. He chose to call off the pursuit shortly before Mr. Hodges lost control of his vehicle. There was no suggestion of intentional contact between the two vehicles. In my view, the subject officer acted lawfully during this pursuit and did not exhibit dangerous driving."
Mr. Scott concluded, "In these circumstances, the subject office cannot be held criminally liable for the injuries suffered by Mr. Hodges."
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