IIO Concludes Investigation into a Motor Vehicle Incident in Coquitlam (2020-319)
Case: 2020-319 Incident Date: December 27, 2020 Location: Coquitlam Detachment: Port Mann Freeway Patrol Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Chief Civilian Director (CCD) of the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has reached a decision regarding a motor vehicle incident in Coquitlam.
As detailed in a previous release, on December 27, 2020 at approximately 9:00 a.m., an officer conducting radar speed detection on Highway 1 eastbound saw a grey Dodge Charger that was reportedly speeding and the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver did not stop and instead took the off ramp at Brunette Avenue where the Charger collided with a Kia Sorento that was stationary at the intersection. There were two adults and three children in the Sorento; two of the children sustained serious injuries.
Video and audio evidence, corroborated by statements from civilian witnesses, indicates that the officer was already discontinuing their attempted stop and was a short distance away when the collision occurred.
The IIO’s CCD has reviewed the evidence – including video and audio recordings, police vehicle data, and statements from civilian, emergency personnel and police witnesses – and determined that there was no wrongdoing on the part of the officer. The subsequent collision and tragic injuries to two children are therefore not the result of any police action or inaction. Accordingly, the matter will not be referred to Crown Counsel for consideration of charges and the investigation is now concluded.
As a police investigation related to this incident is ongoing, the IIO will not be issuing its usual public report or commenting on the matter further until that process is 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.