A lawsuit has been initiated by a family who suffered the loss of three family members in a tragic wrong-way collision on Highway 401 last year. The legal action targets the officers involved in the pursuit, the police board, and the estate of the suspect who also perished in the crash.
Gokulnath Manivannan and Ashwitha Jawahar, the surviving couple from the April 2024 incident, seek $25 million in damages along with two other family members. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the defendants, which include officers from Durham Regional Police and Ontario Provincial Police, as well as the estate of the pursued suspect.
The collision occurred following a police chase stemming from an alleged liquor store robbery in Bowmanville, Ontario. The suspect drove the wrong way on Highway 401 in Whitby, leading to the fatal crash involving multiple vehicles and resulting in casualties to the suspect and the family members.
Sgt. Richard Flynn and Const. Brandon Hamilton from Durham police face criminal charges related to the collision. The family’s statement of claim asserts that the pursuit was reckless and contributed to the tragic outcome, as the officers allegedly failed to consider alternatives and endangered lives.
The family accuses Durham police of inadequate training in suspect apprehension pursuits and failing to halt the chase. Although no defense statements have been submitted, the lawsuit emphasizes the ongoing suffering of the surviving couple due to sustained injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress.
Represented by lawyers Brad Moscato and Adam Wagman of Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP, the family hopes for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and enhance public safety protocols regarding pursuit procedures.