IIO has Concluded an Investigation into a Motor Vehicle Incident in Saanich (2020-106)
Case: 2020-106 Incident Date: May 28, 2020 Agency: Municipal Location: Saanich Detachment: Saanich Police Department 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 BC has concluded an investigation into a motor vehicle incident in Saanich.
On May 28, 2020 at approximately 4:40 p.m., officers were conducting traffic enforcement at the intersection of McKenzie Avenue and Cedar Hill Cross Road. Officers attempted to pull over a black SUV for a traffic violation, but the driver instead accelerated away. The officers did not pursue the vehicle but provided a description and direction of travel information over the police radio.
Another police vehicle arriving to assist in traffic enforcement was advised by the officers already present that the black SUV had driven away when a stop was attempted. The newly-arrived officer began to drive in the direction the black SUV was travelling in an effort to find the black SUV. A short time later, the officer came upon the scene of a collision involving the black SUV and another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence and determined that the collision was not the result of police actions. Officers were not actively pursuing the vehicle at the time of the collision and arrived minutes after it occurred, as corroborated by independent civilian witnesses and several video sources.
As a result, the investigation has been 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.