On November 15 2024 at 1:30am, officers were leaving a service call at a residence on Old Lakeshore Rd near Morningside Drive in the City of Sarnia. Their marked police vehicles were parked on the shoulder of the roadway with running lights on. As the officers were walking back toward their cruisers, they observed a vehicle approaching from the west. This vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly veered off the roadway, around the parked cruisers, and into the grass ditch area where the officers were standing.
Both officers attempted to move out of the path of the vehicle, however one officer was struck by the oncoming vehicle. He was thrown backwards from the impact, landing on the front lawn a significant distance away. First aid was rendered by other officers on scene until Lambton EMS transported the officer to hospital for emergency care. He suffered non-life threatening injuries including cuts to his head, scrapes, and extensive bruising to his hip and leg. At this time he is expected to make a full recovery.
The driver of the vehicle stopped immediately after the collision. Investigators believe that the driver had suddenly swerved to the right to avoid striking the parked cars, without knowledge of the officers standing on the grass shoulder in his path.
A 22 year old of Sarnia, was arrested at the scene. He was later released on an Undertaking and Part III POA Summons for the following offences:
- Dangerous Operation CC 320.13(1)
- Novice Driver - BAC Above Zero HTA 44.1(3)
- Careless Driving HTA 130(1)
The roadway remains closed as the investigation is still ongoing by SPS Traffic Services Unit (Collision Reconstruction) and Forensic Identification.
UPDATE as of 9:50 am Nov 15 - Old Lakeshore Road has reopened
