The province’s Special Investigations Unit has been called in after a man died following a police chase.
Around 4:30 this morning, Chatham-Kent OPP were called to investigate a report of stolen gas from a local station. The officer spotted the vehicle and gave chase, but authorities say the suspect lost control and the vehicle rolled into the ditch.
According to the SIU, there was an interaction with a male occupant and the officer fired his weapon. The suspect was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
No other details have been made public at this point, including the exact cause of death. The province’s police watchdog is now asking any witnesses to come forward.
The westbound lanes of the 401 were closed for several hours near Highgate this morning for what was described by the OPP as a police investigation, however the SIU has not confirmed a connection.
The Special Investigations Unit is called in any time police are involved in an incident resulting in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a weapon.
Anyone who can help with the investigation is asked to fill out an online witness form.