Two police officers from Durham have been charged in relation to a multi-vehicle crash last spring that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including two grandparents and their infant grandchild. This incident occurred after a police pursuit of a suspect driving the wrong way on Canada’s busiest highway, according to Ontario’s police oversight agency.
Sgt. Richard Flynn and Const. Brandon Hamilton each face three counts of criminal negligence causing death and two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, as stated in a news release from the Special Investigations Unit on Friday.
The officers are scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice in Oshawa on February 13.
WATCH | What we know about the van involved in the deadly crash:
‘No justification’ for wrong-way highway police chase, expert says
Experts are questioning the decision made by police to pursue an alleged robbery suspect driving against traffic on Canada’s busiest highway, leading to a fatal accident.
The SIU has indicated it will not provide further comments regarding the investigation since the case is now before the courts.
Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira informed reporters Friday afternoon that both officers had been suspended with pay following the charges from SIU. He mentioned that if they are reinstated, they would be assigned administrative duties.
As mandated by law, the Durham Regional Police Service must conduct an internal investigation into how its members acted during this incident as well as review its internal procedures, he added.
Fatal Hwy. 401 wrong-way crash was ‘tragic, catastrophic event,’ police say
Durham police announced charges against two officers linked to a deadly multi-vehicle collision along Highway 401 last April. Speaking with reporters Friday, Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira expressed that this incident has deeply affected the community.
Additionally, Moreira stated he respects SIU’s process and will leave it up to the justice system to determine if these officers bear any criminal responsibility for their actions during this pursuit.
“We must guard against jumping to conclusions before all evidence has been reviewed,” he emphasized. “We owe this not just to those who lost their lives but also to those involved.”
Moreira mentioned he had reached out personally to express condolences to the family of those who perished-two grandparents and their grandchild-involved in this tragedy.
“Regardless of how SIU’s investigation concludes, this was an extremely tragic event resulting in innocent lives lost which devastated families and greatly impacted our community,” he stated.
Source link
Lawyers for Officers Speak Out
In a statement issued for both officers on Friday, lawyers Lawrence Gridin and Sandy Khehra remarked: “The officers’ sole motivation was to save lives by alerting motorists and trying to stop a bandit who decided to put everyone in mortal danger. That bandit is the one responsible for the tragic outcome, not the police. These charges are wrong, and we intend to show that in court.” Gridin, who represents Flynn, noted that he “turned himself into the SIU” earlier on Friday. Khehra, representing Hamilton, said: “Regardless of the fact there are criminal charges, the traumatic impact of what happened that night will not be lost on my client. He and his family have been significantly impacted whether or not SIU charged him.” WATCH | Durham police chief addresses media after 2 officers charged with negligence:
Fatal Hwy. 401 wrong-way crash was ‘tragic, catastrophic event,’ police say
Durham police announced charges against two officers linked to a deadly multi-vehicle collision along Highway 401 last April. Speaking with reporters Friday, Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira expressed that this incident has deeply affected the community.
Additionally, Moreira stated he respects SIU’s process and will leave it up to the justice system to determine if these officers bear any criminal responsibility for their actions during this pursuit.
“We must guard against jumping to conclusions before all evidence has been reviewed,” he emphasized. “We owe this not just to those who lost their lives but also to those involved.”
Moreira mentioned he had reached out personally to express condolences to the family of those who perished-two grandparents and their grandchild-involved in this tragedy.
“Regardless of how SIU’s investigation concludes, this was an extremely tragic event resulting in innocent lives lost which devastated families and greatly impacted our community,” he stated.
A High-Speed Pursuit Into Oncoming Traffic
The charges relate back to the accident on April 29th of last year in Whitby where police engaged in pursuit of someone suspected of robbing a liquor store while driving against traffic on Highway 401. Among those killed were two grandparents visiting from India along with their infant grandchild; however, both parents survived despite sustaining injuries from the collision. The driver of the cargo van being pursued by police also died at the scene; meanwhile Manpreet Gill-his passenger-wasn’t charged concerning these fatalities but did plead guilty later to three separate charges including theft under $5k back in November. The SIU confirmed last year it focused its inquiry specifically around two cops looking into whether or not pursuing such reckless behavior down one busy roadway was indeed justified given public safety concerns raised throughout various communities nearby.” In June , updates indicated neither officer cooperated willingly when asked about interviews or duty notes requested under Ontario law governing policing standards. Come August , investigations continued past typical timelines due mainly due large amounts collected evidence needing thorough reviews performed by staffers employed within agency itself.” The Special Investigation Unit is an independent organization tasked solely with investigating potential misconduct cases involving law enforcement officials leading either directly/indirectly towards loss lives sustained through unlawful actions undertaken during everyday interactions between citizens/police alike.Former Head Says Charges Are Justified Ex-SIU director Howard Morton mentioned during an interview held Friday afternoon confirming his lack surprise over recently filed allegations laid upon both individuals now facing scrutiny regarding mishandling events surrounding prior car chase situations occurring therein vicinity previously identified herein. “There isn’t any possible justification presentable behind decisions made influencing pursuits like these once realizing just how dangerous can become!” He explained regrettably observing specific patterns emerging whereby standard high-speed chases initiated might inadvertently lead innocent drivers directly jeopardized simply trying navigate through crowded streets safely without interference faced alongside local authorities involved responding accordingly! ”
According Chief Moreira spoke directly toward growing rise instances reflecting increasing occurrences associated primarily arising carjacking incidents happening constantly across Greater Toronto Area prompting necessary adjustments considered essential training measures implemented future endeavors tackling problematic vehicles operations amongst patrol fleets designed help protect public interests overall effectively moving forward thereafter ensuring better outcomes achieved collectively next time faced similar scenarios arise again! WATCH | High-speed chase into traffic caught on dashcam:
DASHCAM FOOTAGE SHOWS VAN DRIVING WRONG WAY BEFORE FATAL HIGHWAY 401 CRASH
MILICA MALJKOVIC BIRKETT FOUND HERSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF A POLICE CHASE DURING HER MONDAY COMMUTE. DASHCAM VIDEO SHOWS THE VAN BARRELLING TOWARD HER AS POLICE FOLLOWED ON HIGHWAY 401 IN WHITBY.BUT PATTY CEVALLOS WHO SAW THE COLLISION CLOSEUP WHILE DRIVING WITH HER HUSBAND SAYS THE BLAME LIES SOLELY WITH THE DRIVERS OF THE VAN WHO FIRST PULLED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
“I THINK [THE POLICE] WERE DOING THEIR JOB,” SHE SAID FRIDAY ADDING SHE WAS ANGRY WHEN SHE HEARD THE OFFICERS HAD BEEN CHARGED.”IF ANYTHING IT WAS BECAUSE WE SAW FLASHING LIGHTS THAT WE KNEW SOMETHING WAS GOING ON.”
PATTI CONTINUED TO EXPLAIN HOW HER HUSBAND SLOWED DOWN AND MADE HIS WAY CLOSER TO THE SHOULDER WHEN HE FIRST SAW POLICE LIGHTS ALLOWING HIM SWERVE OUT OF WAY WHEN CARGO VAN GOT CLOSE. SHE DESCRIBES MOMENTS LATER WHEN VEHICLE SWERVED OTHER DIRECTION INTO TRANSPORT TRUCK RESULTING DEADLY PILEUP.Source link
