IIO Concludes Investigation into a February 2023 Incident in Ladysmith (2023-030)
Case: 2023-030 Incident Date: February 7, 2023 Location: Ladysmith Detachment: Ladysmith Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded investigation 2023-030 into the injuries of a man in Ladysmith.
At about 12:45 a.m. on February 7, 2023, police responded to a report of a man waving at passing motorists and appearing to be in distress on the southbound side of the Trans Canada Highway (Island Highway) near Westdowne Road.
Police located a man matching the provided description riding an electric bicycle (e-bike) northbound on the Island Highway near Platt Road. Video footage from the police vehicles confirms that police followed the e-bike at a safe distance, blocking other traffic to protect the rider, and attempted to get the rider to stop with calls over the car’s loudspeaker.
When the rider was south of Roberts Street, still travelling northbound on the Island Highway, the video shows the e-bike struck a curb. The man was ejected and struck a nearby speed signpost, causing a significant injury. There was no physical contact between the man and police before the collision. The officers’ quick actions to provide first aid and obtain prompt medical assistance were instrumental in preventing a much more dire outcome for the man. Their actions were commendable in this regard.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including video footage, civilian witness statements, medical information, and police records – and determined that neither police actions nor inactions were responsible for the man’s injuries.
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.