IIO Concludes Investigation into a Motor Vehicle Incident in Surrey (2022-165)
Case: 2022-165 Incident Date: July 9, 2022 Agency: RCMP Location: Surrey Detachment: Surrey 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 2022-165 into a motor vehicle incident in Surrey where two motorcyclists sustained serious injuries.
At about 1:00 p.m. on July 9, 2022, police responded to a report that three men left a Surrey business after having consumed alcohol. An officer saw two motorcycles matching the reported description heading northbound on 188 Street and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. A short time later, both motorcycles were involved in a collision with a median near the intersection of 64 Avenue and 190 Street.
Police vehicle data confirms that the officer discontinued their attempt shortly before the collision, and both video evidence and an independent witness confirm that the officer was not in close proximity to the motorcycles when the collision occurred.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including an independent witness statement, video footage, forensic collision analysis, and police vehicle data – and determined that the collision was not caused by police action. The attempt to stop was reasonable and appropriate given the information that the riders were intoxicated. Further, the attempt was brief, and the officer did not exceed normal speeds in that area before discontinuing.
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.