IIO Concludes Investigation into a Motor Vehicle Incident in Abbotsford (2022-031)
Case: 2022-031 Incident Date: February 23, 2022 Location: Abbotsford Detachment: Abbotsford Police Department Agency: Municipal 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 an investigation into a motor vehicle incident in Abbotsford.
As detailed in the previous release, at approximately 12:10 p.m. on February 23, 2022, Abbotsford Police attempted to stop a black SUV travelling westbound on Highway 1. The SUV did not stop, and police did not pursue.
About 10 minutes later, the SUV was observed by another officer stopped on the shoulder of Highway 1. The officer spoke to the driver briefly before they fled in the SUV eastbound. Shortly thereafter, the SUV was involved in a collision with an eastbound pick-up truck near the Mount Lehman Road exit. The IIO commenced an investigation to determine what role, if any, police may have played in the collision.
Dashcam footage from two uninvolved civilian vehicles on the Highway, in addition to Watchguard video from an officer’s police vehicle, confirms that there was no police pursuit, and the SUV was not being followed when the collision occurred.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence, including video footage and medical records, and determined that the actions of police during both stops were appropriate, as was their decision not to pursue the SUV. The actions of the driver of the SUV were solely responsible for both the collision and resulting 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.