The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe two Durham Regional Police Service officers committed criminal offences in relation to a fatal multi-vehicle collision that occurred on April 29, 2024.
As a result of the SIU investigation, Sgt Richard Flynn and Cst Brandon Hamilton are each facing the following charges under the Criminal Code:
Three counts of criminal negligence causing death contrary to section 220(b); and
Two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm contrary to section 221.
Background
The province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 401 last night in Whitby that resulted tragically in the deaths of four individuals.
Preliminary information suggests the following:
At approximately 7:50 p.m. on April 29, 2024, the Durham Regional Police Service became aware of a robbery at an LCBO in Clarington.
Officers made their way to the scene, and located a cargo van of interest.
Officers followed the cargo van through numerous streets in Durham region.
At some point, the cargo van entered Highway 401 at Stevenson Road, going in the wrong direction. It was traveling westbound in eastbound lanes.
Shortly after, there was a multi-vehicle collision involving at least six vehicles.
An occupant of the cargo van was pronounced deceased at the scene. Three individuals – a 60-year-old, a 55-year-old and an infant – were also pronounced deceased at the scene. One other person was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Five investigators, one forensic investigator and one collision reconstructionist have been assigned to the case.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
