Markham man, 23, charged with impaired driving in police officer’s death
Posted September 15, 2022 3:35 pm.
A 23-year-old Markham man is facing impaired driving charges in a head-on crash that took the life of a York Regional Police officer on Wednesday.
Police say 38-year-old Const. Travis Gillespie was on his way to work when he was killed in the two-vehicle crash on Major Mackenzie Drive, west of Warden Avenue, at around 6 a.m.
Investigators say the crash involved a white Honda Accord, driven by Gillespie, and a black Porsche Cayenne. They tell CityNews one of the drivers crossed the centre line and collided with an oncoming vehicle.
Police say Gillespie died at the scene while the driver of the Porsche was transported to a hospital with minor injuries.
Police say a third driver involved did not sustain any injuries.
Haoju Zhou from Markham has been charged with impaired operation causing death and dangerous operation causing death.
Gillespie is the second GTA officer killed this week.
Toronto Police Const. Andrew Hong was shot and killed during a shooting rampage that spanned the GTA.
A book of condolences for Gillespie can be signed by members of the public at its five police districts in Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Sutton, Vaughan, Markham, and police headquarters in Aurora.
