IIO Files Report to Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges (2018-148)

INFORMATION BULLETIN

Independent Investigations Office

For Immediate Release

November 4, 2019

Surrey, BC – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has filed a report to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges in IIO case 2018-148.

The investigation relates to a December 8, 2018 motor vehicle incident in Kamloops. Initial information provided by the RCMP to the IIO was that a collision had occurred between an unmarked police car and a stolen pickup truck at approximately 12:30 a.m. at Grasslands Boulevard and Westsyde Road. The RCMP reported that previous attempts to stop the truck had been unsuccessful. During the arrest, the driver suffered injuries. Based on this, an IIO investigation was undertaken.

Upon completion of the investigation, IIO Chief Civilian Director Ron MacDonald has determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that officers have committed offences. As a result, and pursuant to Section 38.11 of the Police Act, the IIO has forwarded a report to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of potential charges related to assault respecting one officer, and charges related to criminal code and motor vehicle act driving offences in relation to the actions of all three officers.

In order to approve the charges, the BC Prosecution Service must be satisfied that there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence gathered by the IIO, and that prosecution is required in the public interest.

While the matter is with the Crown, the IIO will not be making any additional comment about the facts of this case.

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