IIO Concludes Investigation into Fatal Motor Vehicle Incident in Victoria (2024-244)
Case: 2024-244 Incident Date: October 19, 2024 Agency: Municipal Location: Victoria Detachment: Victoria Police Department Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has now completed its investigation into the death of one person following a motor vehicle incident in Victoria (IIO 2024-244).
At about 12:50 a.m. on October 19, 2024, members of the Victoria Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a blue Nissan Titan on Courtney Street between Gordon and Douglas.
The Titan did not stop and was involved in a collision with a taxi and a BC Transit bus near the intersection of Douglas and Humboldt streets. The driver of the taxi was seriously injured in the collision and, despite the life-saving measures of first responders, they were pronounced deceased on scene.
The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred and commenced an investigation to determine what role, if any, police actions may have played in the death.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including forensic scene investigation, statements from civilian witnesses, video footage, and police records – and determined that the involved officers were acting lawfully when they attempted a traffic stop of the Titan. The Titan drove away quickly, and the officers did not engage in a high-speed pursuit. Their actions are not responsible for the taxi driver’s tragic death.
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.