Investigation of Fatal Crash During High-Speed Pursuit Continues by Ontario’s Police Watchdog

The investigation continues into a collision that claimed the lives of two grandparents and their infant grandchild during a high-speed police chase on the wrong side of Highway 401 east of Toronto.

The crash that occurred on the night of April 29, which also resulted in the death of the person in the suspect van, has sparked inquiries regarding the police pursuit that was initiated following an alleged liquor store robbery. Ontario’s police watchdog has commenced an investigation into the incident.

Monica Hudon from Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit stated on April 30 that officers started the chase after identifying a cargo van suspected of being involved in a liquor store robbery in Clarington, Ontario.

“It was a significant collision scene, and we are still working to ascertain the number of vehicles involved, their roles, and the individuals’ origins,” Ms. Hudon mentioned at a press conference on April 30.

“As part of the investigation, we will be examining the pursuit, including its commencement, location, and events that unfolded.”

The SIU reported that an off-duty police officer initially reported an alleged robbery at an LCBO in Clarington around 7:50 p.m. on April 29 to Durham Region police. Subsequently, officers identified a cargo van of interest and initiated a pursuit, as per the watchdog.

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The pursuit continued as the van entered Highway 401 near Stevenson Road and proceeded west in the eastbound lanes, Ms. Hudon explained.

Approximately 20 minutes into the chase, a collision involving six vehicles occurred, Ms. Hudon reported.

“Three occupants from a civilian vehicle were declared deceased at the scene, comprising a 60-year-old, a 55-year-old, and an infant,” Ms. Hudon noted, mentioning that the infant was the grandchild of the deceased adults.

Another individual sustained severe injuries and was taken to the hospital, she added.