Brampton - Investigators from the Major Collision Bureau are appealing for witnesses to a tragic collision in which an on-duty Peel Police officer was killed.

On Monday, March 1, 2010, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Constable Artem "James" OTCHAKOVSKI, while operating a marked police cruiser, was involved in a two-vehicle collision in the intersection of Airport Road and Steeles Avenue East. Constable OTCHAKOVSKI was taken to Sunnybrook with critical injuries. Despite the hospital staff's best efforts, Constable OTCHAKOVSKI succumbed to his injuries. 

Constable Artem "James" OTCHAKOVSKI was a two-year veteran of Peel Regional Police. He had been assigned to the Uniform Bureau at 21 Division, where he operated in a patrol function in the City of Brampton. He is survived by his wife and 3 year-old son. 

Information regarding funeral details will be released in the days to come. To view a photograph of Constable OTCHAKOVSKI, please click on the following link: [Artem OTCHAKOVSKI].

The driver of the other vehicle, a 22 year-old man from Brampton, was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and was later released.

The investigation is continuing. No charges have been laid at this time. Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or the events leading up to it. 

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Peel Regional Police Major Collision Bureau at (905)-453-2121, extension 3710. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting http://www.peelcrimestoppers.ca/, or by texting "PEEL", followed by your tip to CRIMES (274637).