SIU halts probe stemming from arrest in Hamilton hit-run crash that killed Boris Brott

Hamilton | Crime | Latest News | Police |

By

Published July 6, 2022 at 1:56 pm

The provincial police watchdog has ended its investigation into the arrest of the driver who is charged in the hit-and-run death of famed Canadian conductor Boris Brott in Hamilton.

The Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) does not mention the accused or Brott by name, but says it is “without statutory jurisdiction” to continue the investigation. It says the 34-year-old man who was arrested did not suffer “a serious injury” after a pursuit by Hamilton Police officers where three police vehicles were struck and the arresting officers used force.

An SIU release issued Wednesday describes the chain of events on April 5 where Brott was fatally struck in the area of Markland Street and Park Avenue South. After Brott was struck, Hamilton Police officers located the reckless driving suspect. During a pursuit, per the SIU, “the man struck several cruisers.” Force was also used by the arresting officers, and the man who was arrested and three Hamilton Police officers required a visit to hopsital.

Director Joseph Martino explained why the injury didn’t meet the threshold for an SIU probe.

“Based on the SIU’s preliminary inquiries, including a review of the man’s medical records, Director Martino determined that the SIU was without statutory jurisdiction to continue the investigation as the man did not sustain any serious injury within the mandate of the SIU,” a release stated. “The file has been closed.”

The SIU has a mandate to investigate when a member of the public is injured or dies during a police interaction.

Arsenije Lojovic faces charges of failing to stop at an accident causing death and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death in connection with the crash.

Brott, a Montrealer who made his home in Hamilton, was considered a “musical genius” who brought classical music to people in many walks of life in the city. The Great Hall at FirstOntario ConcertHall is being renamed in his honour.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising