IIO Files Report with Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding a June 2023 Motor Vehicle Incident in Surrey (2023-158)

INFORMATION 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 2023-158.

At about 8:00 a.m. on June 18, 2023, police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle, a green Hyundai Elantra, in the 100 Avenue parking lot of Green Timbers Urban Forest.

The Hyundai was subsequently involved in a collision at the intersection of 100 Avenue and 140 Street. The male driver of the Hyundai was taken into custody shortly thereafter and transported to a hospital where he was found to have sustained injuries.

As releasing more details about the incident could prejudice a potential prosecution, more information will not be provided at this time.

Upon completion of the investigation, Chief Civilian Director Sandra Hentzen, reviewed the evidence and determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that two officers, one with the Surrey Police Service and one with the Surrey RCMP, may have committed offences related to grounds to pursue and driving 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 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.

info@iiobc.ca