IIO Files Report with Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding a July 2023 Motor Vehicle Incident in Port Moody (2023-214)
Case: 2023-214 Incident Date: July 25, 2023 Agency: Municipal Location: Port Moody Detachment: Port Moody Police Department Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Charges Approved by Crown CounselINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has filed a report with the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges regarding IIO file 2023-214.
On July 25, 2023, a member of the Port Moody Police Department (PMPD) attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a black motorcycle. The motorcycle did not stop, and the officer did not follow but instead broadcast that information to other PMPD officers.
A short time later, a different PMPD officer driving a police SUV observed a motorcycle driving towards them near the intersection of Valour and Glenayre drives. There was a collision between the motorcycle and the police SUV, and the rider of the motorcycle sustained a serious injury.
Upon completion of the investigation, Interim Chief Civilian Director Sandra J. Hentzen reviewed the evidence and determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that one officer may have committed offences in relation to the use of their police vehicle. 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 charges.
In order to approve any 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 be required in the public interest.
While the matter is with 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.