SUV driver appeared to be fleeing police when they hit 2 pedestrians: SIU
Ontario's police watchdog is investigating a hit and run collision between two vehicles in North York late Tuesday that also sent two pedestrians to hospital.
The crash took place near Keele Street and Highway 401, and a clearer picture of what happened emerged on Wednesday.
The Special investigations Unit (SIU) said in a news release that preliminary information shows the driver of an SUV struck the pedestrians while appearing to flee from Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The SIU, an independent civilian agency, investigates incidents involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.
The SIU said two OPP officers in their vehicles were heading southbound on Keele Street en route to a call.
The SUV driver, who was driving in front of the officers, "appeared to flee," the SIU said, before hitting a car that was going eastbound on the Highway 401 ramp.
"The driver of the SUV then struck two pedestrians who were crossing Keele Street," said the SIU.
Toronto paramedics said they transported two pedestrians, a man and a woman, to a trauma centre for treatment of serious injuries.
The SIU said the pedestrians were a 24-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man and that both suffered serious injuries.
Toronto police traffic services says the matter is being investigated by the OPP.
Earlier, the crash was reported as a hit-and-run incident. CBC Toronto has reached out to the OPP to get an update on whether or not the driver of the SUV allegedly fled the scene following the crash.
The SIU is asking anyone with information about the crash — including photos or video — to get in touch.
