IIO Concludes Investigation a Motor Vehicle Incident in Kamloops (2023-211)
Case: 2023-211 Incident Date: July 22, 2023 Location: Kamloops Detachment: Kamloops Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is has now closed its investigation into a fatal motor vehicle incident near Kamloops (IIO 2023-211).
On July 22, 2023, a marked police vehicle with lights activated was parked in a travel lane westbound on Highway 1 at Holman Road assisting Fire Services with an unrelated incident. Fire vehicles were also present with emergency lighting activated.
After about 20 minutes, during which time over 100 vehicles safely passed the emergency vehicles, a man riding a motorcycle collided with the back end of the unoccupied police vehicle before then colliding with the back of a fire truck parked nearby. The rider sustained serious injuries in the collision and was pronounced deceased in hospital on August 1, 2023.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including forensic scene analysis, video footage, civilian witness statements, and hospital and police records – and determined that neither police actions nor inaction contributed to the man’s tragic death. The police vehicle was parked safely with lights activated to direct traffic around the various emergency vehicles at the scene. Speed and alcohol appear to have been contributing factors in the collision.
The IIO investigation is now concluded.
Background
The IIO is the Independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.