SIU Terminates Investigation in Renfrew

    TORONTO, Aug. 24 /CNW/ - The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has
terminated its investigation into the circumstances surrounding a single motor
vehicle collision that occurred in Renfrew.
    The SIU was notified that on August 1, 2007, at approximately 5:40 p.m.,
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers located a car in Douglas that had
reportedly been involved in a theft of gas and failed to remain at the scene
of a collision in Renfrew. OPP officers pursued the car north on Highway 41.
In the area of Highway 41 and Highway 17, Pembroke Police Service officers
tried to assist by laying down a spike belt on the road. The 18-year-old male
driver of the pursued car tried to avoid the spike belt, went into the ditch
and struck a light pole. The young man ran from the car and was immediately
apprehended. He was walking back to the cruiser when he collapsed and went
unconscious. The young man was taken to Pembroke Hospital and then transferred
to Ottawa General Hospital. The female passenger was not injured.
    Five SIU investigators were assigned to probe the circumstances of the
young man's injuries to determine what role, if any, the police played.
Investigators gathered and reviewed the medical reports and determined that
the young man received some soft tissue bruising and a superficial cut to his
forehead. He was released from hospital and into the custody of the OPP with
no serious injuries.
    As a result, SIU Director James Cornish said, "The SIU investigation into
this incident has been terminated given that the man did not suffer any
serious injuries from the collision."

    The SIU is a civilian government agency that investigates circumstances
involving police and civilians, which have resulted in serious injury or
death. Under Section 113 of the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU
has the authority to decide whether or not charges are warranted based on the
findings of an investigation. The Director's decision is reported to the
Attorney General.

For further information:

For further information: Rose Bliss, SIU Communications/Service des
communications, UES, Telephone/No de telephone: (416) 622-2342 or/ou
1-800-787-8529