A male teen will stand trial on a charge of manslaughter in the death of York Regional Police Const. Garrett Styles -- downgraded from a prior charge of first-degree murder.
The Crown said it is planning to appeal the ruling, and is expected to file the appeal on Oct. 24, reports CTV Toronto’s Tamara Cherry.
Due to his age, the accused cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The teen faces charges in relation to the death of Styles, who died on June 28, 2011 during a routine traffic stop.
According to police, Styles pulled the 15-year-old over during the early hours of the morning on Highway 48 northeast of Toronto.
The teen was driving his parents' minivan with three other youths and he didn't have a licence, said police.
Police said the accused tried to drive away from Styles, but instead dragged the officer. The teen driver eventually lost control of the van, coming to a stop while pinning Styles underneath. Styles died from his injuries.
The accused was badly hurt in the collision, and was left a quadriplegic from his injuries. He is now confined to a wheelchair.
With files from CTV Toronto’s Tamara Cherry
