London police cleared in chase collision

Source: London Free Press

ONTARIO - A watchdog agency has cleared London police of any wrongdoing in a chase that ended in a crash that left a London woman a paraplegic.

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit, a civilian agency that investigates serious injuries and deaths involving police, released its decision yesterday.

Police Chief Murray Faulkner said he was pleased to see the officers cleared. "I know it has weighed heavy on the officers' minds," he said. "They were concerned about her well-being."

The crash occurred Aug. 23 when an officer spotted Jennifer Nanibush, 28, at the wheel of a Jeep when she wasn't supposed to be driving. She reportedly made many driving violations and didn't stop when the officer flashed his lights. The pursuit ended in a collision.

"I am satisfied the care exercised by the officer fell within the limits prescribed by the criminal law," said SIU director Ian Scott. "The outcome unfortunately caused traumatic injuries to Ms. Nanibush."