In the early morning hours of June 28, 2011, York Regional Police Officer was on patrol in the region just north of Toronto. At approximately 5 a.m. the seven year veteran made a routine traffic stop on Highway 48, just north of Davis Dr. in the Town of East Gwillimbury. The 2005 Dodge Caravan contained four young people including the 15-year-driver.
The van had been stolen and while Styles was at the driver's door, possibly reaching in for the keys, the driver accelerated, trapping the 32-year-old officer. The vehicle travelled for about 300 meters before the driver lost control and the van rolled over, pinning Styles underneath. Although underneath the van, the officer was conscious and was able to radio for help.
Police and EMS arrived and fire fighters managed to free Styles. He was rushed to Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket where he died later that morning. The unlicensed driver of the Dodge Caravan was also injured in the rollover and was taken to hospital where he is listed in serious condition. Charges are pending.
Police Chief Holds Press Conference
At 2 p.m. on the day of Styles' death, York Region Police Chief Eric Jolliffe held a televised press conference. Besides releasing information about what the police knew about the details surrounding the constable's death at the time, Jolliffe said that Styles was hired by York Region Police in December 2003 and became a constable in May 2004. At the time of his death he was working Uniform Patrol out of #1 District in Newmarket.
Styles is survived by his wife Melissa who is an employee of York Regional Police. The slain officer leaves two small children; a two-and-one-half year old daughter and a nine-week-old son. He also leaves his father, Staff Sergeant Garry Styles who retired in January after 33 years of service with York Regional Police.
Jolliffe also said that Styles had completed an examination, scoring 82%, that would have made him eligible for a promotion to sergeant. The chief described the officer as well liked by his fellow officers and described as dedicated and hard working by his supervisors.
The Police Chief also thanked those who expressed their condolences in the hours after the constable's death including police chiefs and departments from across North America and members of the public.
The Death of Detective Constable Robert Plunkett
Nine other police officers have died in the line of duty in York Region since October 1804 and the last officer to die prior to Styles was Robert Plunkett. Although Plunkett was not involved in a routine traffic stop, he was killed in a manner similar to the actions that took the life of Styles.
On August 2, 2007, York Region plainclothes officers observed two vehicles leave Toronto and drive just north of the city's boundaries in Markham. The driver of one of the vehicles believed to be stolen, stopped in a residential area and removed the driver's door airbag.
Plunkett moved in and while arresting the driver for theft. the suspect put the vehicle in reverse and accelerated. The car went over a curb while the officer was trapped between the door and the vehicle.
Plunkett was thrown clear when the car hit a tree. He died later in hospital. Other officers drove into the car to stop it and the driver was arrested while attempting to flee.
Nadeem Jiwi, now 23, was charged with first degree murder in Plunkett's death. On April 28, 2011 he was acquitted of murder but convicted of the lesser offence of manslaughter. It is believed this is the first time someone in Canada has been convicted of manslaughter arising out of the death of a police officer acting in the line of duty. In a twist of irony, the day after Constable Styles lost his life, Jiwi was sentenced to 12 years in jail.
A funeral for Styles, who would have turned 33 on Sunday, will be held on Tuesday, July 5, in Newmarket.
Arthur Weinreb - Weinreb is an author, associate editor and columnist with Canada Free Press and the Canadian Affairs Feature Writer for Suite 101.
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