IIO Investigators Deployed to Maple Ridge and Victoria

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
June 15, 2013

SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that its investigators have been deployed to incidents involving the Maple Ridge RCMP and the Victoria Police Department on June 15, 2013.

According to the RCMP, at approximately 12:31 a.m., two Ridge Meadows RCMP officers, travelling in separate vehicles, were eastbound on Lougheed Highway approaching 216 St. in Maple Ridge.  Just east of 216 St., they encountered a male youth in the roadway.  The first RCMP vehicle passed the youth, while the second RCMP vehicle struck him.  The youth sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital, where he has been admitted for treatment.

The IIO was notified at 1:35 a.m., at which time investigators were deployed to the scene.

According to the Victoria Police Department, at 2:38 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed near the intersection of Quadra and Hillside.  The officer reportedly activated his emergency equipment and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.  The vehicle fled westbound on Hillside and turned northbound on Blanshard.  According to the Victoria Police Department, the officer terminated his attempt to stop the vehicle.  Approximately 30 seconds later, the vehicle struck a lamp standard at the intersection of Blanshard and Cloverdale.  The driver did not survive the injuries he sustained in the crash.

The IIO was notified at 3:07 a.m.  Investigators were deployed to the scene at 7:00 a.m.

The IIO and both police agencies involved in these matters will work within the terms agreed upon in the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by the chief civilian director and B.C.’s police services in July 2012.

As set by the chief civilian director, the IIO’s goals are to conduct fair, unbiased, timely, thorough and competent investigations, and ensure transparency through public reporting.

Please note that no additional information is available at the present time.

Contact:

Owen Court
Independent Investigations Office of BC
owen.court@iiobc.ca