NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
*************************
York Regional Police has charged an off-duty officer with impaired driving and several other offences after a serious collision in the City of Markham.
On Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, just after 7:15 p.m., York Regional Police responded to a report of a serious collision on Highway 7, near York Durham Line. When officers arrived they located a motorcycle that had been struck and the driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Officers learned that a Nissan Pathfinder had collided with the motorcycle and then fled the scene. When officers located the Nissan they arrested the offduty officer for impaired driving. He was not injured.
Charged:
Nathan Coates, 42, of the City of Oshawa
Charges:
- Impaired driving causing bodily harm
- Operation with over 80 mgs of alcohol causing bodily harm
- Failure to stop at scene of accident
- Dangerous cause bodily harm
He will be appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket again on Oct. 24, 2019.
“This incident is extremely disheartening and does not reflect the values of our organization. As law enforcement professionals, we are in a position of trust and we are rightfully held to a higher standard by members of our community,” said Chief Eric Jolliffe. “Every day, our members are committed to keeping our community safe, especially when it comes to impaired driving. For those members who do not uphold our values and make the unforgivable decision to drive while impaired, they will be held accountable for their actions, without exception.”
Nathan Costes has been a member of York Regional Police since 2005. He was assigned to Uniform Patrol working out of the Whitchurch-Stouffville Community substation.
Constable Coates has been suspended from duty and the incident has been forwarded to the Professional Standards Bureau for further investigation. In addition to any criminal consequences, the officer may be subject to additional charges under the Police Services Act.
We would also like the community to be aware that the Police Services Act does not allow the Chief of Police to suspend an officer without pay in this type of circumstance. The Act also requires the police service to hold a disciplinary hearing before terminating an officer’s employment. For more information, contact York Regional Police Corporate Communications at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 2664.
*************************
