Ontario's police watchdog has concluded its investigation into an Ottawa Police Service officer involved in an incident where a cruiser drove parallel to electric motorcycles on a bicycle path, a situation that ended with a cyclist suffering serious finger injuries. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has determined no criminal charges will be laid against the officer.
SIU Investigation Finds No Criminal Offence
In a report released late on Friday, December 19, 2025, SIU Director Joseph Martino stated the agency found "no reasonable grounds to believe" the officer committed a criminal offence related to the collision. The investigation, which began on August 23, wrapped up in mid-November after reviewing video evidence and interviewing the injured cyclist and civilian witnesses.
Details of the August Incident
The incident occurred on August 7 at approximately 8:15 p.m. in Ottawa's west end. According to the SIU report, two males without helmets were riding electric motorcycles erratically on a bicycle path next to Carling Avenue, approaching Moodie Drive, at speeds reaching up to 70 km/h.
An Ottawa Police officer in a marked cruiser was driving on Carling Avenue, adjacent to the path. As the officer attempted to engage with the riders, the e-motorcycles collided with a 28-year-old male cyclist.
The cyclist was taken to hospital by ambulance, treated, and released. However, on August 21, he informed police he required surgery on two or three fingers due to the injuries sustained in the crash.
Charges for E-Motorcycle Riders
While the police officer faces no charges, the riders of the electric motorcycles were not exempt from legal consequences. One rider was charged with careless driving causing bodily harm and failure to stop. The other rider was charged with careless driving and failure to stop. All charges were laid under the Highway Traffic Act.
The SIU, which investigates incidents involving police that result in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault, was notified because the e-motorcycles were under police observation at the time of the collision.
