OPS officer demoted after impaired driving crash on St. Patrick’s Day

An Ottawa Police Service (OPS) officer has been demoted from first-class constable to second-class after a discipline hearing decision on an impaired driving crash that happened in March 2024.

Cst. Corey Chuchryk pleaded guilty to two counts of discreditable conduct, one count of insubordination and one count of damage to clothing or equipment. As a result, he is being demoted for 22 months in accordance with section 85(1)(c) of the Police Services Act.

According to the court document, Chuchryk was off-duty on March 17, 2024 in an undercover cop car when he was seen driving at a high rate of speed on Woodroffe Avenue. Another off-duty officer was in the passenger seat, with the agreed statement of facts noting both officers had been drinking.

Chuchryk was turning left when he collided with a stopped Ford F-150 truck with two members of the public inside. After the undercover cruiser crashed into the back of the pick-up, the two passengers of the truck approached Chuchryk’s vehicle.

“They observed Cst. Chuchryk, as well as his passenger, exhibiting signs of impairment including glassy eyes, unsteadiness, and a strong smell of alcohol emanating from the vehicle,” the document reads.

The officer exited and the two members of the public noted he was slurring his speech and struggling to focus. Chuchryk did not ask about their well-being, look at the damage done or call 911. He did provide his first name and address.

The pick-up truck occupants thought that Chuchryk was under the influence and called police. While they were waiting, Chuchryk took off in his vehicle. The pick-up truck driver called police again to say the other vehicle left, and stayed until the responding officer arrived.

Meanwhile, Chuchryk drove himself and the other off-duty officer back to their homes. The responding officer went to Chuchryk’s home and knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Looking inside the garage he saw a sedan parked inside.

Through the investigation the officer learned that there was “significant” damage to the vehicle parked in Chuchryk’s garage and identified him as a constable with Ottawa police. He then told his supervisor of the incident.

The documents note that Chuchryk did not “make any effort that evening to call a supervisor or inform anyone about the incident or the damage to an OPS vehicle.”

The damage was estimated to be around $10,000 and Chuchryk was charged with operation while impaired and pleaded guilty on June 11.

As a result he was sentenced to:

• 12 months probation
• Report as directed and attend for any counselling or assessments for alcohol or substance abuse as directed
• A $5,000 fine
• 12 months driving prohibition
• Payment in the amount of $230 to the owner of the pickup truck
• Payment in the amount of $5,000 to the Ottawa Police Services

Chuchryk cooperated fully throughout the criminal matter and OPS Professional Standards Unit Investigation.