February 13, 2025
In a joint statement emailed to CTV News, the lawyers representing the two officers called the charges “wrong” and that they “intend to show that in court.”

Two Durham cops charged criminally in deadly wrong-way chase on Hwy. 401

Two Durham Regional Police officers have been criminally charged after a police chase the wrong way down a stretch of Hwy. 401 ended in a head-on crash that killed four – including an infant and his grandparents.

The Special Investigations Unit revealed Friday that Sgt. Richard Flynn and Const. Brandon Hamilton have been charged with three counts each of criminal negligence causing death and two counts each of criminal negligence causing bodily harm for their alleged roles in the April 2024 crash.

Both officers have been suspended with pay and will be assigned to administrative duties “if and when they’re reinstated,” Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira said during a news conference Friday afternoon.

The Chief said now that the SIU has released its findings, an internal investigation by Durham Regional Police, which will not interfere with the criminal prosecution, will follow.

The deadly pursuit happened after an LCBO theft.

Ontario’s police watchdog Director Joseph Martino said in Friday’s news release he “has reasonable grounds” to believe the officers committed criminal offences in relation to the April 29 crash.

The officers are slated to make their first court appearance on Feb. 13.

“As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation,” the news release said.

Similarly, Moreira said on Friday that he would not be making any comments that may be perceived to have any impact on that process.

“The fact remains that regardless of the results of the SIU investigation, this was a tragic and catastrophic event that resulted in the death of innocent lives, devastated a family and has profoundly impacted our community. A community that also includes every member of the Durham Regional Police Service,” the chief said.

The charges come after a nine-month probe by the SIU into the actions of the officers – one of whom is believed to be a 34-year veteran, while the other has served for four years – who faced immense scrutiny for starting the wrong-way pursuit that involved at least six cop cars on the major highway following the robbery.

Read It All…

Jack’s Note: This is a case of the SIU Director covering his sorry ass.  He should be removed from his position.

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