Toronto official allegedly ‘suspended’ investigation into car crash involving nephew: documents

A senior Toronto police officer has been charged with misconduct for obstructing a police investigation into a clash involving his nephew.

Non-criminal police law charges against 11th Division unit commander Joyce Scherzer date back to an incident that occurred on May 1.

According to hearing materials obtained by CP24, Scherzer was working in the 11th Division when he received a call from his daughter. Her daughter said her nephew had been in a “bad accident.”

The documents allege that Scherzer arranged for officers from his division to be “dispatched” to the 14th Division where the crash occurred, bypassing the normal priority system “for your family’s sake.”

Sherzer was then present at the scene and was “actively involved in the investigation,” the documents allege.

“While at the scene, you spoke first with your nephew. You gathered information about the crash and became actively involved in the investigation. and your nephew was advised to leave the scene,” the document said.

Hearing documents point out that a member of the specialized Toronto Police Traffic Services Unit had to be present at the scene due to the fact that the vehicle caused damage to city property.

However, the documents say the officers tasked with leading the investigation “didn’t have the opportunity to determine whether alcohol was a factor” due to the fact that the driver was allowed to leave the scene. claims.

“The investigation was suspended as a result of your nephew being removed from the scene,” the document said. “As the senior officer and supervisor at the scene, you were unable to confirm that a thorough investigation into the crash was conducted. Additionally, you failed to write down the statement provided by your nephew, the driver. did.”

Scherzer is a former homicide detective and second in command of Division 11.

She has been charged with dishonorable conduct, disobedience and dereliction of duty in connection with the May incident.

Her first appearance in police court was scheduled for Tuesday morning.

None of the charges have been proven in court.

CP24.com reached out to Schertzer for comment on Tuesday morning, but did not immediately hear back.