IIO Concludes Investigation into February Motor Vehicle Incident in Surrey (2022-021)
Case: 2022-021 Incident Date: February 13, 2022 Agency: RCMP Location: Surrey 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 B.C. has concluded its investigation into a February 2022 motor vehicle collision in Surrey.
At approximately 10:40 pm on February 13, 2022, Surrey RCMP attempted to conduct a traffic stop near the intersection of 94 Avenue and 149a Street. The vehicle – a Chevrolet Cavalier – did not stop, and police did not pursue. A short time later, the Cavalier was involved in a collision with two other vehicles at 100 Avenue and160 Street. The driver of the Cavalier was transported to hospital, where he was treated for injuries including a dislocated hip and fractured toe.
No-one else was injured in the incident.
The IIO investigated to determine what role, if any, the officers’ action or inaction may have played in the collision and the man’s resulting injuries.
The IIO’s Chief Civilian Director (CCD) has reviewed witness statements and objective evidence collected from police mobile data terminals, civilian video and Surrey street camera video, including footage of the collision and of the subsequent arrival of the police. Based on this review, the CCD has determined that the driver of the Cavalier was fully responsible for the collision. Although officers attempted to stop the vehicle, there was no pursuit undertaken and they did not come upon the scene until 55 seconds after the collision occurred.
The IIO’s investigation into this matter is therefore 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.