Amherstburg police have charged their own officer whose cruiser collided with another vehicle on Howard Avenue in Essex County last week.
The officer — whose name has not been released — faces a charge of making an unsafe turn under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
The crash happened on County Road 9 (Howard Avenue) near South Side Road on the morning of April 25.
According to Amherstburg police, the officer was northbound on County Road 9 when he observed a vehicle that was speeding southbound.
The officer activated the cruiser’s emergency lights and attempted a U-turn to pursue the speeder — pulling in front of another northbound vehicle in the process.
The Amherstburg police cruiser struck the 2006 Pontiac sedan, resulting in both vehicles among trees at the side of the road.
The blameless driver of the Pontiac — a 19-year-old male — wasn’t hurt.
The Amherstburg constable suffered neck and back injuries described as moderate.
Penalties for the offence of Turn Not in Safety under the Highway Traffic Act typically amount to two demerit points on a licence and an $85 fine.