SIU investigating fatal crash involving Brantford police

Editors note: Initially Global News reported that a Brantford Police cruiser pursued a suspect vehicle that eventually crashed and became “engulfed in flames.” On Monday, the SIU told Global News that it has not ascertained whether there was a chase involving the Brantford police officer. That part of the incident is still under investigation. Those changes are reflected in the story below. 

The province’s police watchdog has taken over a fatal motor vehicle collision that happened near a Brantford overpass early Saturday morning.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says a 21-year-old man died after his vehicle crashed and burst into flames.

Investigators say the crash happened overnight on Brant Avenue at Ava Road and involved a Brantford Police (BPS) cruiser

The incident began when a Brantford police cruiser attempted to stop two vehicles speeding near Dalhousie and Clarence Streets, according to the SIU.

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One of the vehicles stopped for police but the other fled the scene.

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) cruiser, which happened to be nearby, began following the suspect vehicle near Dalhousie Street and Brant Avenue.

That officer later lost sight, and stopped tracking the car.

The vehicle eventually crashed and became “engulfed in flames” which was observed by a BPS officer, according to investigators.
The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The SIU says five BPS officers and one OPP officer are part of the investigation. One BPS officer has been designated as the subject officer due to his involvement.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529.