Man facing impaired driving charges in York police officer’s death has been denied bail – Toronto

The man is facing impaired driving charges in an accident that killed a York Regional Police officer while off duty. Travis Gillespie was denied bail.

The decision was handed down in a Newmarket courtroom on Thursday. Haoju Zhou, 23, was ordered to remain in detention.

Zhou’s father was in court to show his support for his son.

Zhou was first charged with impaired driving causing death and dangerous driving causing death in connection with the September 14 crash that killed 38-year-old Gillespie.

On September 29, the court heard that an additional charge, more than 80 milligrams causing death, had been added to the indictment.

The reasons for Justice of the Peace Robbie Levita’s decision to keep Zhou in custody cannot be released due to a publication ban on evidence heard in court.

It is up to the Crown to convince the justice of the peace to keep the accused in custody, with three grounds which must be satisfied: that the accused is not at risk of fleeing, that he will not reoffend and that his release will affect security. public confidence in the administration of justice.

Zhou is due back in court on November 24.

The fatal head-on collision between two vehicles took place in the area of ​​Major Mackenzie Drive East and Warden Avenue around 6 a.m. on September 14.

Gillespie was driving a white Honda on his way to work when he was involved in a collision with a Porsche Cayenne, police said.

Zhou, the alleged driver of the Porsche, was arrested at the scene and later charged. He has been in custody ever since.

Peel Police are investigating the fatal collision to maintain the integrity of the case.

Gillespie was sworn in as a constable on April 29, 2020. Prior to joining York Regional Police, he worked as a constable for Metrolinx/GO Transit and volunteered with Community Living and Primal MMA Academy, the city said. police.

His funeral took place on September 22.

— With Hannah Jackson files

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