Markham man found guilty of dangerous, impaired driving causing death of YRP officer

A Markham man accused of impaired and dangerous driving causing death in the September 2022 crash that killed a YRP officer has been found guilty.

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A Markham, Ont. man accused of impaired and dangerous driving causing death in the September 2022 crash that killed a York Regional Police officer has been found guilty.

Haoju Zhou, 26, walked out of the Newmarket courthouse Monday and covered his face with a medical mask moments after being found guilty of dangerous and impaired driving causing the death of 38-year-old York Regional Police officer Travis Gillespie, who was on his way to work the morning of Sept. 14, 2022.

• Trial begins for Ont. man accused of impaired driving causing crash that claims officer’s life

The court heard Zhou, behind the wheel of his black Porsche Cayenne, at about 6 a.m. crossed two lanes of traffic along Major Mackenzie Drive East near Warden Avenue and crashed head-on into the white Honda Accord driven by Gillespie.

Justice Mark Edwards found Zhou, who was a G2 driver at the time of the crash, was under the influence of alcohol when he fell asleep and lost control of his SUV.

Gillespie’s loved ones, including his mother, Lori were in attendance for the judgement. Gillespie said she is happy Zhou was found guilty after “three long years” waiting for justice.

“Travis was killed in the prime of his life, just, like, taken out by someone who chose to drink and drive,” she said. “The only thing that I have to say right now, and this isn’t just for my son, this is for all the parents who have lost children, or spouses or partners, anybody. Don’t drink and drive, it kills.”

The court heard Zhou had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 two hours after the crash. G2 drivers in Ontario cannot have any alcohol in their system.

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During trial, the defence argued Zhou, while under continuous police observation for three and a half hours after the crash, did not have any of the “classic signs of impairment” including flushed face, slurred speech, or lack of comprehension.

Justice Edwards was not convinced by the defence and found Zhou guilty.

Neither Zhou nor his lawyer offered comment on the judgement.

York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween, through a statement provided to CTV News said Gillespie remains deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.

“Our thoughts are with the Gillespie family as they continue to mourn a life taken far too soon. ... We are pleased with this result, and grateful to all who played a role in delivering justice for Travis in the wake of his death.”

The police chief thanked the Peel Regional Police Major Collision Investigation unit who contributed to securing the conviction and “helped bring the Gillespie family, along with his friends and colleagues at York Regional Police, one step closer to closure.”

The chief encouraged the community to continue to honour Gillespie’s memory by “contributing to safer roads and a safer York Region for us all to enjoy.”

Zhou is scheduled to return to court in January for the start of his sentencing hearing.