Thursday, March 28, 2024

Timer

SIU says charges not warranted in double fatal crash in Hamilton

First Published:

 

Ontario’s police watchdog says charges are not warranted in a high-speed chase and crash in Hamilton that left two teens dead in 2017.

The Special Investigations Unit report was released Friday, on the one-year anniversary of the crash.

Waterloo Regional Police were called after a witness reported an assault and possible abduction shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 5, 2017.

According to the SIU report, a witness told a 911 dispatcher: “I’m just witnessing a man beating the living daylights out of a young lady.”

The caller then said the man appeared to force the girl into the car.

Police tracked the vehicle, a red Pontiac, which was determined to be stolen.

It didn’t stop when officers tried to pull it over. Police pursued the vehicle into Hamilton.

It was travelling on Highway 6 near Campbellville Rd. when it crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a truck.

hwy 6 fatal 2017

Nathan Wehrle, 15, and his girlfriend, 16-year-old Taryn Hewitt were killed in the crash.

The SIU says Wehrle was driving the car and lost control going around a curve at a high speed.

The report finds there’s no evidence that the officers involved in the chase were responsible for the crash.

“This is a very tragic incident for everyone involved,” said Waterlooo Regional Police inspector Mark Crowell.

“Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the two young people who lost their lives that day. Our thoughts also go out to the involved police officers impacted by this tragic incident.”

Hewitt’s step mother Aaliiyah Parker says this report will not be the end.

“A corners inquest will be requested and the two subject officers will be speaking to the death sentence they served these two children.”

More Top News

Newsmakers: Preparing for the 2024 total solar eclipse with amateur astronomer Mario Carr

VIDEO: On this episode of Newsmakers, host Louie Butko is joined by "your favourite amateur astronomer" Mario Carr ahead of the total solar eclipse...

Sportsline: Hamilton Cardinals game-day host Emily Thompson

VIDEO: The role of the "in-game host" has become an important piece of the entertainment package that teams are selling to fans. On this...

St. Catharines man charged with 1st-degree murder in death of parents

A man is facing first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of his parents at a home in St. Catharines Monday afternoon. Emergency crews...

Ontario minimum wage to increase Oct. 1 to $17.20 an hour

Ontario's minimum wage will rise later this year to $17.20 an hour. The annual Oct. 1 increase is tied to inflation and is a boost...

Over 300K public sector workers earn more than $100K; OPG CEO tops the list

The five top paid public employees in the province are all at Ontario Power Generation, with the CEO earning $1.9 million last year. The so-called...

Halton police arrest man in connection to break-ins in Georgetown

Halton police say they've arrested a man in connection to two separate break-ins that occurred in Georgetown. On March 25, officers were called out to...