A recent investigation by Ontario’s police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), has concluded that a London police officer involved in a collision with a cyclist did not commit a criminal offense. The incident, which occurred on December 7 near York and William Streets in downtown London, resulted in serious injuries to the 57-year-old cyclist, including a fractured nose and left orbital bone.

The SIU’s director released a statement on Friday, indicating that after thorough review, there were no reasonable grounds to believe that the officer had engaged in criminal conduct. While the officer was found to be at fault for the collision as the cyclist had the right of way, the SIU determined that the officer’s actions did not constitute a marked departure from a reasonable standard of care in the circumstances.

The investigation highlighted that although the officer should have yielded and avoided the left turn that led to the collision, the case law suggests that criminal liability typically requires more than an isolated or momentary lapse of care. The SIU’s analysis also noted that the officer, exercising her legal rights, did not participate in an interview with the SIU, leaving some aspects of her decision-making unclear.

This ruling underscores the role of the SIU in examining incidents involving injuries or fatalities during interactions with law enforcement across Ontario. While the officer was found responsible for the collision, the conclusion reached by the SIU emphasizes the nuanced considerations involved in determining criminal liability in such cases.