IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in Elk Valley (2022-171)
Case: 2022-171 Incident Date: July 12, 2022 Location: Elk Valley Detachment: Elk Valley 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 2022-171 into an incident in Elk Valley where one man died.
Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on July 12, 2022, officers responded to a report regarding an erratic driver in a grey Chevrolet truck in the area of Kikkoman Provincial Park.
An officer located the vehicle a short time later driving eastbound on Highway 3 near the Fernie Alpine Resort, but video footage and civilian witnesses confirm that before they could attempt to conduct a traffic stop, the Chevrolet collided with a cyclist.
The cyclist sustained serious injuries in the collision, and subsequently died in hospital.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including civilian witness statements, video footage, and police information – and determined that police action did not play a role in the cyclist’s tragic death. The driver of the Chevrolet reported being unaware of the police vehicle behind him, so their presence did not influence his driving behaviour.
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.