Somehow I can't imagine that any traffic stop would ever be considered routine anymore after what transpired to take the life of York Region Police Constable Garrett Styles on Tuesday morning. Reading the transcripts of his radio chatter with dispatch while he was pinned under the van driven by a 15 year old he had only moments before pulled over for speeding are heart wrenching.
Pleading for help and in pain with his life slipping away while at the same time showing concern for the person and his passengers who will eventually claim his life with their actions, shows an officer willing to do his duty up to his final breath. Such a heroic and inspirational act by the 32 year old cop and father of two.
What happened?
Somehow the boy panicked and tried to drive away. Styles apparently tried to reach for the keys and got hung up and was dragged about 300 metres before the van entered a field and rolled on top of the officer.
Pinned at the waist he was able to radio a 10-33 for officer needs emergency assistance.
Despite all efforts to get to the scene, extricate him and administer medical attention, Styles was pronounced dead just over an hour later.
The 15 year old driver has been charged with first degree murder and no amount of punishment will be enough in my mind. He made some very bad choices starting with taking the vehicle in the first place and his nightmare is only just beginning.
The same can also be said for the family of Const. Styles who have lost a son, a husband and a father to another senseless and completely avoidable tragedy. Actions have consequences and sadly most people don't realize that until it's too late.
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