Pedestrian struck and killed by OPP cruiser in Bala

[Michael Jack]

A pedestrian has died after a collision in Bala involving an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) cruiser.

The incident happened shortly before 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024, on Muskoka Road 169 in Bala.

The 25-year-old male pedestrian was transported to hospital where he later died from his injuries. The officer was also transported to hospital as a precaution.

The OPP has ensured that victim services has been engaged for the male’s family. Resources are also in place for the officer involved.

Muskoka Road 169 remains closed between Sutton Drive and Bala Falls Road for the investigation by an OPP Collision Reconstructionist and members of the Traffic Collision Investigation Team.

As a result of an officer’s involvement in this incident, the OPP has notified the Special Investigations Unit which has invoked its mandate to investigate. Any media inquiries should be directed to the SIU at siu.media@ontario.ca

https://muskoka411.com/pedestrian-struc ... r-in-bala/

[Michael Jack]

A pedestrian has died after being struck by an Ontario Provincial Police cruiser on Muskoka Road 169 in Bala.

Officers say the incident happened just before 6:00 a.m. on Sunday.

The 25-year-old male pedestrian was transported to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The officer was also taken to a hospital as a precaution.

Muskoka Road 169 was closed between Sutton Drive and Bala Falls Road while investigators gathered evidence.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) will investigate the cottage country collision to determine if the officer’s actions caused the man’s death.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police, among other officials, that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2024/09/29/ ... r-muskoka/

[Michael Jack]

Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating the death of a pedestrian in the province’s Muskoka region who was allegedly hit by a police cruiser.

Provincial police say the incident happened before 6 a.m. Sunday on Muskoka Road 169 in Bala, Ont.

The 25-year-old man was taken to hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The officer driving the police vehicle was also transported to hospital as a precaution.

Due to the officer’s involvement, the OPP says it has notified the province’s Special Investigations Unit which has invoked its mandate to look into the case.

The SIU investigates situations involving police in which someone is killed, injured or accused of sexual assault.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2024.

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https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/ontario-ne ... ng-9588679

https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/ont ... b1296.html

[Michael Jack]

A pedestrian has died after reportedly getting struck by an OPP cruiser in Bala early Sunday morning.

OPP say the incident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. on Muskoka Lakes Road 169. The 25-year-old male pedestrian was transported to hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The officer was also transported to hospital for precautionary reasons.

OPP are ensuring that victim services have been engaged for the deceased's family and that resources are in place for the officer involved.

As a result of an officer being involved in such an incident, OPP have notified the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which invoked its mandate to investigate.

Muskoka Road 169 remains closed between Sutton Drive and Bala Falls Road as members of the SIU and the OPP's Traffic Collision Investigation Team continue to investigate the scene.

https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/pedestrian-di ... -1.7056316

[Michael Jack]

A pedestrian was killed after being struck by an Ontario Provincial Police cruiser Sunday morning in Bala.

The incident happened shortly before 6 a.m. on Muskoka Road 169.

The 25-year-old man was taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries. The officer was also taken to hospital as a precaution.

“The OPP has ensured that victim services has been engaged for the male’s family. Resources are also in place for the officer involved,” police said in a news release.

Muskoka Road 169 is closed between Sutton Drive and Bala Falls Road for the investigation.

Because an officer was involved in the incident, the province’s Special Investigations Unit has invoked its mandate.

https://www.barrietoday.com/police-beat ... la-9588582

[Michael Jack]

The province's police watchdog has invoked its mandate after an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) cruiser was involved in a collision in Bala that resulted in the death of a pedestrian.

OPP say the incident happened shortly before 6 a.m. Sunday on Muskoka Road 169.

"The 25-year-old male pedestrian was transported to hospital where he later died from his injuries. The officer was also transported to hospital as a precaution," police said in a news release.

According to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the police vehicle that struck the pedestrian was an unmarked cruiser.

Muskoka Road 169 remains closed between Sutton Drive and Bala Falls Road for the investigation.

Police say they have ensured that victim services has been engaged for the victim's family. Resources are also in place for the officer involved.

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 at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php

The SIU is an independent civilian agency that's called in to investigate reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or sexual assault.

https://barrie360.com/siu-pedestrian-bala-opp-cruiser/

[Michael Jack]

Ontario's police watchdog is investigating the death of a pedestrian in the province's Muskoka region who was allegedly hit by a police cruiser. Provincial police said the incident happened before 6 a.m. Sunday on Muskoka Road 169 in Bala, Ont.

Ontario's police watchdog is investigating the death of a pedestrian in the province's Muskoka region who was allegedly hit by a police cruiser.

Provincial police said the incident happened before 6 a.m. Sunday on Muskoka Road 169 in Bala, Ont.

The 25-year-old man was taken to hospital where he later died from his injuries. The officer driving the police vehicle was also transported to hospital as a precaution.

Due to the officer's involvement, the OPP said it notified the province's Special Investigations Unit which has invoked its mandate to look into the case.

The officer was driving in an unmarked police vehicle, according to the SIU.

The police watchdog said three investigators, three forensic investigators and one collision reconstructionist have been assigned to the case.

The SIU investigates situations involving police in which someone is killed, injured or accused of sexual assault.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2024.

https://www.miltontoday.ca/ontario-news ... ng-9588679

[Michael Jack]

Ontario's police watchdog is investigating the death of a pedestrian in the province's Muskoka region who was allegedly hit by a police cruiser.

Provincial police said the incident happened before 6 a.m. Sunday on Muskoka Road 169 in Bala, Ont.

The 25-year-old man was taken to hospital where he later died from his injuries. The officer driving the police vehicle was also transported to hospital as a precaution.

Due to the officer's involvement, the OPP said it notified the province's Special Investigations Unit which has invoked its mandate to look into the case.

The officer was driving in an unmarked police vehicle, according to the SIU.

The police watchdog said three investigators, three forensic investigators and one collision reconstructionist have been assigned to the case.

The SIU investigates situations involving police in which someone is killed, injured or accused of sexual assault.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 29, 2024.

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https://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/ma ... 4a1f8.html

https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/ ... er-in-bala

[Michael Jack]

SIU says incident happened Sunday around 6 a.m. on Highway 169, about 200 km north of Toronto

Ontario's police watchdog is investigating the death of a 25-year-old man who was allegedly struck by an unmarked police vehicle in Bala, Ont. Sunday morning.

Around 6 a.m. Sunday, an Ontario Provincial Police officer driving an unmarked police vehicle in Bala struck a pedestrian on Highway 169, according to a news release from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

Bala is located about 200 kilometres north of Toronto, and approximately halfway between Barrie and Parry Sound.

The pedestrian was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead, the release said.

Three investigators, three forensic investigators and one collision reconstructionist have been assigned to the case, the release said.

The SIU is asking any witnesses, or anyone with more information or video of the incident, to contact investigators.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the OPP said "victim services has been engaged" for the man's family.

Part of Highway 169 was closed following the incident Sunday, but has since reopened, OPP said on X.

The SIU investigates police conduct in incidents that result in death, serious injury, sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ ... -1.7337718

[Michael Jack]

Tributes have started pouring in for a Midland, Ont. man who died after reportedly being struck by an unmarked provincial police vehicle over the weekend.

Noah Landriault is being remembered as kindhearted with a zest for life.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says the 25-year-old man was on foot when a police vehicle hit him around 6 a.m. Sunday on Muskoka Road 169 in Bala.

The agency says he was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Landriault was a talented lacrosse player who played with several Simcoe County organizations.

"He was just so compassionate, so thoughtful for friends and family, his siblings and his parents," said his former lacrosse coach Brian Blanks.

Rob Blasdell later scouted Landriault for the Orillia Junior B Kings, who, like many, are trying to cope with news of his death.

"When you're this close to somebody, it's just a shock. I mean, it's something you just can't believe happened," Blasdell said. "It's just an incredibly sad day for this entire area. Noah touched a lot of kids and a lot of people."

In a social media post, the Orillia Junior B Kings also posted about his death: "As a player and coach, Noah always brought energy and enthusiasm to the rink. His positive attitude and love for the game were contagious."

The Midland Titans Lacrosse organization posted on social media that Landriault was a "talented lacrosse player with a kind heart."

"Noah's smile lit up every room, and his positive attitude will forever leave a lasting impact on our club," noted the West Durham Ironheads Junior B Lacrosse organization.

At the time of this article, a GoFundMe campaign launched in Landriault's name had surpassed $41,000, with more than 400 donations, for the family.

The campaign, organized by Monica Smith, says that Landriault worked part-time as a bartender at The Kee to Bala and had a full-time job at the Muskoka Sauna Company.

"He loved sports (particularly lacrosse), his family, and hanging out with his friends," it reads in part. "Noah was just starting to find his place in this world as a young adult when this happened."

Several SIU investigators assigned to the case are probing what happened that morning.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates any police conduct that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.

https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/community-mou ... -1.7057840

[Michael Jack]

A pedestrian has died after reportedly being struck by an OPP cruiser in Bala early Sunday morning.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says the officer was driving an unmarked police vehicle and that the incident occurred on Muskoka Road 169 around 6 a.m.

The 25-year-old male pedestrian was transported to hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The officer was also transported to hospital for precautionary reasons.

The OPP says it is ensuring that victim services have been engaged for the deceased's family and that resources are in place for the officer involved.

As a result of an officer being involved in such an incident, the SIU invoked its mandate to investigate. Three SIU investigators, three forensic investigators and one collision reconstructionist have been assigned to the case.

Muskoka Road 169 was closed between Sutton Drive and Bala Falls Road as the SIU and the OPP's Traffic Collision Investigation Team investigated the scene. The area has since been reopened.

https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/ontario-pedes ... -1.7056316

[Michael Jack]

The Special Investigations Unit said the officer, who was travelling 20 km/h over the posted speed limit, is not criminally responsible for the crash that killed Noah Landriault, 25.

Ontario’s police watchdog has determined that an OPP officer who fatally hit a man with an unmarked police cruiser last September is not criminally responsible.

On Sept. 29, 25-year-old Noah Landriault was walking on Muskoka Road 169 in Bala just before 6 a.m. when he was struck by an OPP officer driving an unmarked vehicle.

In the Special Investigation Unit’s director’s report released on Friday, it said Landriault was leaving the premises of Bala Bay Inn, located on Muskoka District Road 169, with another person. The two were crossing Muskoka Road 169 from the west to the east side of the road when Landriault was hit by the OPP officer’s vehicle that was travelling northbound to a temporary northern assignment.

After hitting Landriault, the officer stopped the vehicle and ran to help him, according to the SIU, adding that the officer called 911 and requested an ambulance.

Paramedics were called to the scene and transported Landriault to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, the SIU said.

The OPP officer involved in the collision did not agree to an interview or provide her notes, which is her legal right, according to the SIU.

The OPP officer was driving a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and was on duty at the time of the crash.

As part of the investigation, the SIU obtained the OPP officer’s cellphone data, which indicated it wasn’t in use at the time of the collision.

The officer was driving at around 70 km/h before the crash, according to the SIU — more than the 50 km/h speed limit.

Despite driving faster than the posted speed limit, SIU Director Joseph Martino said the speed was “more than it ought to have been, but not grossly so.”

“Had the (OPP officer) been travelling at or near the 50 km/h speed limit, she would have had more time to react to the complainant’s presence on the road and take evasive action than her actual speed, upwards of 70 km/h, permitted (albeit, there is evidence the officer would not have been able to stop in time even had she been driving at 50 km/h),” the report said.

From the investigation, SIU director Joseph Martino concluded that despite the excessive speed, the circumstances surrounding the crash was “largely extenuating” and that there is “no basis for proceeding with criminal charges in this case,” thus closing the file.

Landriault was raised in Midland and had studied at Mars Hill University in North Carolina on a lacrosse scholarship, a sport he had a deep passion for and which led him to fundraise and start the first lacrosse team at his high school.

At the time of his death, Landriault was working as a bartender at The Kee to Bala, a concert venue in the area. According to his dad, he loved his job and made many friends. He had even referred to Muskoka as his “second home”.

“My son was an absolute joy,” his mother, Coreena Brown, said in an interview in September.

https://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/po ... urce=login

[Michael Jack]

An Ontario Provincial Police officer who struck and killed a pedestrian while speeding last fall in Bala did not commit a crime, according to the province’s police watchdog.

On Sept. 29 at about 5:50 a.m., the male pedestrian and another person were leaving the Bala Bay Inn at 3063 Muskoka Rd. 169.

The man was attempting to cross the road when he was struck by the unmarked OPP vehicle, a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee being driven by an officer who was on duty and heading to a temporary northern assignment, Special Investigations Unit director Joseph Martino wrote in his report.

The victim was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was determined to be blunt-impact head trauma.

The report states the officer was driving upward of 70 km/h in a 50 km/h zone at the time of the collision.

“While it remains unclear why the collision occurred, I am unable to reasonably conclude on the evidence available to the SIU that the (officer) transgressed the limits of care prescribed by the criminal law. Her speed as she approached the point of impact with the complainant is subject to legitimate scrutiny. Had the (officer) been travelling at or near the 50 km/h speed limit, she would have had more time to react to the complainant’s presence on the road and take evasive action than her actual speed, upwards of 70 km/h, permitted (albeit, there is evidence the officer would not have been able to stop in time even had she been driving at 50 km/h).”

Martino acknowledged the officer was exceeding the speed limit, “but not grossly so.”

“On my assessment of the evidence, there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the (officer) committed a criminal offence in connection with the complainant’s death.”

The file has been closed.

The full report can be found here: https://siu.on.ca/en/directors_report_d ... m=referral

https://www.collingwoodtoday.ca/police- ... u-10447972

[Michael Jack]

Ontario’s police watchdog concluded its investigation finding found no reasonable grounds to believe an officer committed a criminal offence in the death of a 25-year-old man from Midland who was struck and killed by a police vehicle in Bala.

According to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer was driving an unmarked police vehicle on the morning of Sept. 29, 2024, when she struck the Midland man on Highway 169 as he attempted to cross the road near Musquash Road.

The SIU’s report states the young man, identified by loved ones as Noah Landriault, and another individual had left the Bala Bay Inn shortly before 6 a.m. and were walking east toward Muskoka Road 169.

The agency says the officer, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, was travelling north on Muskoka Road 169 and “would not likely have a view” of the two individuals until seconds before the collision, noting video of the crash shows the Jeep’s headlights clearly illuminating the pedestrians as they crossed. It states the officer braked hard, but Landriault was struck by the front left corner of the vehicle and “projected forward and onto the ground.”

The officer immediately exited the Jeep and ran to the injured man, while the other pedestrian called 911. The officer spoke with the dispatcher and, according to the report, stated, “I’m the one that hit him. I was coming down 169, Bala, two males walking,” and telling the dispatcher she was driving 70 km/h.

Landriault was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The SIU report states it received the postmortem examination on March 20, revealing the 25-year-old man’s death was attributable to “blunt impact head trauma.”

SIU Director Joseph Martino states in the report that it remains unclear why the collision happened, noting the officer’s speed as she approached the point of impact is subject to “legitimate scrutiny.”

“Had the [officer] been travelling at or near the 50km/h speed limit, she would have had more time to react,” Martino wrote in the report, adding," I’m not satisfied that the officer’s speed amounted to a marked departure from a reasonable standard of care. The [officer’s] speed was more than it ought to have been, but not grossly so."

Based on the report, the SIU closed the case.

Loves ones described Landriault as a kindhearted man with a zest for life and a talented lacrosse player. A GoFundMe campaign was launched shortly after his death, reading in part, “Noah was just starting to find his place in this world as a young adult when this happened.”

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