SIU investigating fatal mini-motorcycle crash in St. Catharines

The province’s police watchdog is investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in St. Catharines on Tuesday.

A Niagara police officer was travelling westbound on Welland St. when he saw a man riding a mini-motorcycle without a helmet travelling eastbound.

The vehicle did not have a licence plate.

According to the Special Investigations Unit, the officer made a u-turn to follow the mini-motorcycle.

The driver turned north onto York St. and then turned left onto Taylor St. and struck a pole.

The man was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The SIU says it has three investigators and two forensic investigators on the case.

The agency investigates the conduct of officials that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at a person.