IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in Revelstoke (2021-337)
Case: 2021-337 Incident Date: December 13, 2021 Agency: RCMP Location: Revelstoke Detachment: Revelstoke 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 Revelstoke.
As detailed in our previous release, on December 13, 2021 at approximately 12:10 a.m., a man riding a snowmobile without a helmet was involved in a collision on Woodenhead Loop and sustained serious injuries. Shortly before the collision, an officer had observed the snowmobile on Highway 1 eastbound near Victoria Street, and the IIO commenced an investigation to determine what role, if any, the officer may have played in the collision.
Video evidence from the officer’s police vehicle confirms that the officer turned around to travel in the direction the snowmobile was last seen but did not attempt to stop or pursue. Shortly thereafter, the video shows the officer coming upon the snowmobile, without its rider, which had collided with a parked semi-truck.
The man riding the snowmobile had walked a short distance from the scene of the collision and was located by officers a few minutes later. Emergency Health Services attended and transported the man to a local hospital for treatment.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence, including video and medical records, and determined that the actions of the officer were appropriate and did not cause the man’s 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.