A Halton Regional Police sergeant is facing a criminal charge after a high-speed chase last year ended in a collision that left a driver badly hurt. Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) announced the charge against Sgt. David Joseph on Wednesday, more than a year after the March 2025 pursuit.

What led to the chase?

On the morning of March 12, 2025, Halton officers were looking into the theft of a Kia Sedona and a stolen GMC Hummer from a home in Oakville. When police found the vehicles near Trafalgar Road and Upper Middle Road, both drivers took off.

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A pursuit ran through Oakville and into Mississauga, and the SIU says Sgt. Joseph led it. The chase ended at Winston Churchill Boulevard and Lakeshore Road East, where the Hummer hit a tractor-trailer. The person behind the wheel, a 26-year-old, suffered serious injuries, was arrested and was taken to hospital for treatment.

What is the sergeant accused of?

After its investigation, the SIU concluded there were reasonable grounds to believe the sergeant committed a crime. Sgt. Joseph is charged with operating a conveyance dangerously and causing bodily harm, an offence under the Criminal Code.

Key details of the case:

  • The charge was laid by SIU Director Joseph Martino.
  • Sgt. Joseph is set to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on November 23, 2026.
  • The SIU says it will not comment further because the matter is before the courts.

Why does the SIU get involved?

The SIU is an independent civilian agency that examines police conduct in Ontario when an incident leads to death, serious injury, sexual assault or the firing of a gun at a person. Its investigators are civilians, and the unit reports on whether an officer should face criminal charges.

FAQ

What is the SIU?

The Special Investigations Unit is a civilian-led provincial agency that investigates serious incidents involving police officers in Ontario.

When is the next court date?

Sgt. Joseph is scheduled to appear in Milton on November 23, 2026.