Charges in officers death

A Mississauga man is facing charges in the death of an off-duty Toronto police officer in a crash last summer.

Constable Riccardo (Rick) Torchia was riding his motorcycle on Highway 7 in Vaughan near highway 50 when he was hit by a garbage truck turning out of a private driveway.

The 30 year old officer was pronounced dead at the scene.

York police have now charged 55 year old Jose Couto with criminal negligence causing death as well as possession of a controlled substance.

He’s being held in custody.