SIU Probes Role of Constable Freeman in Doucet Fatality

The following statement about the death of Constable Don Doucet was issued today by Ontario's Special Investigations Unit.

Earlier today, the Ontario Provincial Police disclosed that the "stealth" cruiser involved in yesterday's crash was driven by 35-year-old Constable William Freeman of the Sault Ste. Marie City Police Service.

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SIU investigates death of officer in Sault Ste. Marie

TORONTO, May 15 - The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is
investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS) officer on May 14, 2006.

On May 15, 2006, the SIU confirmed with the SSMPS that Senior Constable Don Doucet was a passenger in a police cruiser when the cruiser and a minivan were involved in a collision at the intersection of Black Road and McNabb
Street.

As a result, Constable Doucet suffered fatal injuries.

The officer driving the police cruiser and the female driver of the van were taken to hospital where they were treated and released.

Two SIU investigators will be probing what role, if any, the officer driving the cruiser played in the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The SIU is a civilian agency that investigates circumstances involving police and civilians which have resulted in serious injury, sexual assault or death.

Under Part VII, Section 113, of the Police Services Act, the director of the SIU has the sole authority to decide whether or not charges are warranted based on the findings of a complete investigation.

The director's decision is reported to the Attorney General.

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