Police cleared of wrongdoing after cyclist killed by suspect in police chase

The incident took place on July 24, 2020.

Police were chasing a Honda Accord that had been speeding 90 km/h over the posted speed limit of 60. The vehicle then began to rotate and crossed into the northbound lane. The vehicle then reportedly struck a cyclist, identified as 54-year-old Daniel Bertini. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say Bertini's bike was "broken into many pieces."

The Honda then became airborne while going 90 km/h. The vehicle was then found upside down in a ditch, according to CTV News.

The man was found near the wreckage and was taken into custody.

The SIU concluded that for the majority of the police chase, police did not exceed 90 km/h.

"The [officer] briefly reached a speed in excess of 100 km/h, which is not surprising as he attempted to make up ground on a speeding vehicle. However, the officer quickly realized the Honda was too far ahead and, in my view, wisely shut down the pursuit," SIU Director Joseph Martino wrote. "By the time of the collision, the cruiser was well back of the Honda Accord in distance and time."

"There is no basis for proceeding with criminal charges against the officer."