IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in Coquitlam (2022-034)
Case: 2022-034 Incident Date: March 3, 2022 Detachment: Coquitlam Location: Port Coquitlam 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 an investigation into an incident in Coquitlam.
As detailed in the previous release, at about 10:55 a.m. on March 3, 2022, police attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a motorcycle travelling northbound on Shaughnessy Street. WatchGuard video and statements from independent witnesses confirm police began to follow with lights and sirens activated.
Seconds later, police vehicle data indicates that the officer was slowing down and turned off their emergency equipment when the motorcycle did not stop. At nearly the same time, video footage shows the motorcycle was involved in a collision with a Toyota at the intersection of Shaughnessy Street and Prairie Avenue.
The rider sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries in the collision.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including video footage and statements from the affected person, and civilian and police witnesses – and determined that there was no wrongdoing on the part of the officer. There were sufficient grounds to conduct a stop, and the length of the stop attempt was also appropriately brief before actions to discontinue are evident in the objective evidence. No unlawful action by police led to 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.