SIU investigating after person in custody escapes from moving police vehicle

The logo of the Ontario Special Investigations Unit is pictured in Toronto on Friday, April 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

The province’s Special Investigations Unit is now investigating after a person in police custody escaped from a moving police vehicle and was later injured in Elgin County on Saturday.

According to a news release, at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, a member of the Elgin County OPP and a member of the St. Thomas Police Service were transporting an individual in police custody when the individual escaped from the moving police vehicle.

Police say they fled on foot in the area of Wellington Road and Talbot Road.

A coordinated search was immediately initiated, involving members of the Elgin County OPP, the OPP Emergency Response Team, the OPP Canine Unit, OPP Aviation Services and neighbouring police services.

As previously reported by CTV News, there was a heavy police presence in the area with OPP warning the public to avoid the area if possible, and if travelling trough the area, to not pick up any hitchhikers.

The individual was later found near Major Line in St. Thomas and was returned to police custody.

Upon being located however, police say the individual required medical attention and was transported to hospital for assessment of injuries.

As a result of the incident, the province’s Special Investigations Unit has since invoked their mandate, and then OPP will not be able to provide further information.