A December 23 car crash at Allains Creek, that killed the unborn baby of the 16-year-old passenger, is being investigated by the province's independent Serious Incident Response Team.
The investigation focuses on a police pursuit involving the Annapolis Royal Police Department just prior to the crash.
At about 11:30 p.m. on December 23, the RCMP requested help from Annapolis Royal Police to search for a suspected impaired driver. An Annapolis Royal Police officer began to follow a vehicle travelling west on Highway 1 through Annapolis Royal. The officer turned on his emergency lights and siren and followed the vehicle a short distance after it went through an intersection.
Just outside of town limits, the vehicle left the highway. The driver suffered non-life threatening injuries, which required hospitalization, and a pregnant 16-year-old passenger was later taken to hospital, where her unborn child was found to have died.
Annapolis District RCMP, Annapolis Royal Police, and Annapolis Royal Volunteer Fire Department all responded to the single vehicle crash on Highway 1 near Allains Creek. The Pontiac sedan left the road and came to rest on its roof. The 16-year-old managed to crawl out of the vehicle. The driver, a 20-year-old male, had to be extricated from the vehicle by firefighters. He was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Both occupants are residents of Annapolis County.
A traffic reconstructionist was called to the scene.
Police Act
In accordance with the Police Act, early on December 24, the Annapolis Royal Police referred the incident to SIRT, which assumed responsibility for the investigation into the pursuit.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call 902-424-2010.
SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing. Investigations are under the direction and control of independent civilian director Ron MacDonald.
SIRT can independently launch an investigation or begin one after a referral from a chief of police, the head of the RCMP in Nova Scotia, or the Minister of Justice. It can also investigate after a complaint from the public.
The director must file a public report of the investigation within three months after it is finished.
The vehicle driver is solely responsible for his or her own decisions and actions made that night. It is appalling that this article is directed to the supposed "wrong doing" of ARPD. I am thankful the police take action and investigate suspected impaired drivers in an effort to protect our communities.