The Special Investigation Unit said Durham Police were called to the Bowmanville and Northglen Avenue area at about 3:30 p.m.
While responding, police located a vehicle of interest on Bowmanville Avenue and followed it.
The SIU said the vehicle later struck a light standard in a square less than four kilometers from the original scene.
Three people in the vehicle were subsequently arrested by police, the SIU said.  One of them was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The SIU reports that three investigators and two medical examiners have been assigned to the case.
Urges anyone with information to contact the lead researcher at 1-800-787-8529.
The SIU is called in to investigate whenever police are involved in death or serious injury.