Details surrounding a New Year's Day crash that sent four people to hospital with serious injuries are still scarce nearly a week later.
The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) was called in after the driver reportedly fled from Barrie police that night and struck a cement pole on Yonge Street, north of Big Bay Point Road.
No information as to the ages, genders or hometowns of any of the four individuals who were in the vehicle at the time of the crash has been released, nor has there been any information released as to the condition of the four occupants.
“Because they (the SIU) have invoked their mandate on that crash, it is something that they are going to have to speak to," Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday.
In an email to BarrieToday, SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said there are no updates at this time, adding as far as any criminal charges that may be laid against those involved in the crash, that decision would be left up to local police.
"The investigation remains ongoing and no charges have been laid at this time," Leon said.
According to preliminary information collected by investigators, Barrie police officers were on patrol in a marked SUV at approximately 8:30 p.m., Jan. 1, when they spotted the driver of a silver car speeding on Yonge Street at Mapleview Drive East.
“The car fled northbound on Yonge Street before it crashed into a cement pole at Yonge Street north of Big Bay Point Road. Paramedics were called to the scene and all four people in the car were taken to hospital,” stated the SIU release from Jan. 2. "Investigators are seeking any witnesses or dash-cam footage of the silver car fleeing Barrie Police Service officers before it crashed into (the) hydro pole and seriously injured four people.”
Three investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case. One subject official and two witness officials have also been designated at this time.
The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online by clicking here.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians.
