SIU charges Ottawa police officer after pursuit ends in crash

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit has charged Ottawa police Cst. William Randal Stockdale with dangerous driving causing bodily harm after a police pursuit ended in a collision on Feb. 19.

The SIU said on the afternoon of Feb. 19, an Ottawa police officer stopped a vehicle at Belfast Road. As the officer exited his cruiser, the vehicle fled and the officer initiated pursuit.

A short time later, the suspect vehicle collided with an OC Transpo bus near the intersection of Laurier Avenue East and Nicholas Street.

A 39-year-old passenger of the vehicle suffered a fractured hip and shoulder and was taken to hospital for treatment.

After an SIU investigation, Stockdale is facing one count of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

His next court appearance is July 21.

The SIU investigates all incidents involving police in Ontario in which serious injury or death result, or when allegations of sexual assault occur.