In a tragic turn of events, a police chase initiated by a liquor store robbery in Bowmanville on Monday evening culminated in devastation roughly 20 minutes later. The pursuit ensued after an off-duty officer alerted Durham police to the ongoing robbery at an LCBO near Green Road and Highway 2 around 7:50 p.m.
According to sources, the suspect brandished a knife when confronted by the off-duty officer, prompting the officer to call for police backup. Subsequently, Durham police engaged in pursuit of the suspect, who fled the scene in a cargo van, driving recklessly through the streets of Durham Region.
The pursuit reached a grim climax when the suspect entered the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 at Stevenson Road, traveling in the opposite direction. This resulted in a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision involving at least six vehicles. Tragically, the collision claimed the lives of an infant and the child’s grandparents, who were passengers in one of the vehicles involved, as well as the suspect.
Monica Hudon, spokesperson for the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), confirmed the identities of the deceased and disclosed that one other individual sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized.
The response of Durham police is now under scrutiny by the SIU, as is customary in cases involving police-related incidents resulting in death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault. Witnesses reported seeing the pursued vehicle traveling against traffic on the highway just moments before the collision.
Brodie Mills, a witness to the pursuit, recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing vehicles speeding dangerously against oncoming traffic. He expressed concerns about the high-speed pursuit’s continuation and suggested alternative measures, such as employing helicopters, to apprehend the suspect.
Premier Doug Ford conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and described the incident as a “tragedy.” He emphasized ongoing efforts to equip law enforcement with resources to minimize the need for high-speed chases, citing recent investments in police helicopters.
The fiery crash prompted the closure of a segment of Highway 401 in Whitby in both directions, causing disruptions throughout the night and into the morning rush hour. Tow trucks were deployed to clear debris from the crash site, and the highway gradually reopened to traffic.
As the investigation unfolds, the SIU urges anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in the inquiry.