IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in Terrace (2021-130)

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

Surrey, B.C. – The Chief Civilian Director (CCD) of the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded an investigation into an incident in Terrace.

As indicated in the IIO’s previous release, on May 23, 2021 at approximately 5:50 p.m., officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) heading southbound on the West Kalum Forest Service Road as none of the three riders were wearing helmets. The ATV did not stop, instead going around the RCMP vehicle. About half a kilometre later, the ATV turned eastbound into the Hart Farm recreation area. Shortly thereafter, the ATV was involved in a collision.

Information from the RCMP vehicle’s data terminal confirms that the officers who attempted to stop the ATV did not pursue it. They instead continued northbound for over 10 kilometres before they were called to attend the scene of the ATV collision. Independent witnesses corroborate that the police vehicle was seen travelling normally in the opposite direction of the collision scene, and other witnesses who observed the ATV collision confirm that the officers did not arrive until half an hour later or more.

Two of the three ATV riders were injured in the collision. The first, a young woman, died from her injuries, and one of the male riders also sustained a serious but not life-threatening injury.

The CCD has reviewed the evidence and determined that the officers acted appropriately and did not pursue the ATV. There are therefore no reasonable grounds to believe that any officer has committed an offence.

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.

info@iiobc.ca