News Release

SIU Investigates Fatality on Hwy 401 in Whitby

Case Number: 10-OVD-180   

Mississauga (28 August, 2010) --- Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a person in the westbound lanes of Highway 401 near the Lake Ridge Road South overpass in Whitby.

The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) reported to the SIU that on Friday, August 27th, 2010 at approximately 11:30 p.m., one of their officers followed a motorcycle, with two occupants, onto Highway 401 westbound. The motorcycle continued westbound and the body of a person was located on the highway.

Six investigators and two forensic investigators are investigating this incident.  Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to contact the Unit at 416-622-0748 or 1-800-787-8529.

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