Update on fatal accident

(WEST PARRY SOUND, ON) – On October 3, 2014 the West Parry Sound Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated a fatal motor vehicle collision involving three vehicles approximately 500 metres south of the Pickerel River Bridge in Mowat Township.

The collision occurred at approximately 1:02 p.m. when a southbound van collided head on with a northbound vehicle and then a sports utility vehicle (SUV). The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. Four passengers were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Over the course of several months, the West Parry Sound OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigators (TTCI), West Parry Sound OPP Crime Unit and Sudbury Highway Safety Division (HSD) conducted a thorough investigation. As a result of that investigation the driver of the van was discovered to have been driving his motor vehicle while under the influence of a drug.

On January 15, 2015, Brian HAZEN, 56, of Walsingham was arrested and charged with:

• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Death contrary to the Criminal Code (CC);
• Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle Cause death – Drug contrary to the CC;
• Causing Death by Criminal Negligence contrary to the CC;
• Driving While Ability Impaired Cause Bodily Harm (Motor Vehicle – Drug) contrary to the CC;
• Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle Cause Bodily Harm contrary to the CC;
• Criminal Negligence in the operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm contrary to the CC;
• Criminal Negligence in the operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm contrary to the CC;
• Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle Cause Bodily Harm contrary to the CC;
• Driving While Ability Impaired Cause Bodily Harm (Motor Vehicle-Drug) contrary to the CC; and with
• Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine as per the Controlled Drug and Substance Act (CDSA).

The accused will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Parry Sound on February 19, 2015 to answer to his charges.