Constable Freeman cleared in Doucet fatality

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT

************** SIU concludes investigation into death of officer TORONTO, June 2 - The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), James Cornish, has concluded that a Sault Ste. Marie Police Service (SSMPS) officer is not criminally responsible for the death of Senior Constable Don Doucet. On May 14, 2006, Constable Doucet and another officer were in a marked cruiser on routine patrol.

The cruiser was traveling southbound on Black Road when it entered the intersection of Black and McNabb Streets at about 2:45 a.m.

Almost simultaneously, a minivan that was travelling eastbound on McNabb, also entered the intersection and the two vehicles collided. Constable Doucet was a passenger in the cruiser and suffered fatal injuries.

The officer driving the police cruiser and the female driver of the van were not seriously injured. The SIU investigation focused on the conduct of the officer driving the cruiser in relation to the collision.

Upon review of the investigation, the SIU director concluded that the evidence of independent civilian witnesses confirmed all of the other evidence that indicated the officer did not cause this tragic collision. As a result of its investigation, the Ontario Provincial Police has charged the driver of the minivan with impaired driving.

As this matter is now before the courts, the SIU cannot make any further comments pertaining to this investigation.

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.

******************** Earlier SooToday.com coverage of this story

SIU probes role of Constable Freeman in Doucet fatality