SIU returns to scene of south London crash involving police vehicle to seek witness reports

Ontario’s police watchdog is back at the scene of a crash in south London on Wednesday investigating a collision that left a 27-year-old woman and a nine-year-old girl in critical condition.

On Sunday, an OPP cruiser collided with a taxi at the intersection of Southdale Road East and Verulam Street at around 5 p.m. OPP say the police vehicle was involved in the pursuit of suspects wanted in connection with an alleged robbery in Sarnia.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has said the woman and child were passengers in the cab.

In a Facebook post dated July 29, a loved one posted that the two remained unconscious. The post said the little girl had a spinal fusion but had not yet had any movement in her limbs while her mother underwent surgery “to repair her aorta and spleen.” Another family member told 980 CFPL on Wednesday morning that the two remained in critical care and their injuries were severe.

The SIU told Global News Radio 980 CFPL it would be setting up a mobile command post at the intersection on Wednesday afternoon in the hopes that anyone who witnessed the incident will come forward to speak with investigators.

The police watchdog also confirmed that there was a separate crash involving an OPP cruiser in London on Sunday, but the incident does not fall under its mandate as there were no serious injuries in that incident.

A 21-year-old man and a 23-year-old man, one from Etobicoke and the other from Mississauga, have been charged in connection with the alleged robbery in Sarnia.

They face charges of robbery using a firearm, disguise with intent, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from a peace officer and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Anyone with information about the case can also contact the Special Investigations Unit by calling 1-800-787-8529.

Source: https://bit.ly/2NdXQ00