IIO is Investigating an Incident in Ladysmith (2023-030)
Case: 2023-030 Incident Date: February 7, 2023 Location: Ladysmith Detachment: Ladysmith Agency: RCMP 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 is investigating a motor vehicle incident in Ladysmith where one man sustained serious injuries.
Information provided by the RCMP states that at about 12:45 a.m. on February 7, 2023, police responded to a 911 call regarding a man who was reported to be waving at passing motorists and possibly in distress on the southbound side of the Trans Canada Highway near Westdowne Road.
Officers located a man matching the provided description riding a motorized bicycle on the northbound side of the Highway near Platt Road a short time later. It is reported that police attempted to conduct a traffic stop and the bicycle collided with a curb shortly thereafter. The man sustained serious injuries.
Police on scene provided medical assistance, and Emergency Health Services attended to transport the man to a local hospital for treatment.
The IIO has commenced an investigation, and initial investigative steps will seek to confirm what role, if any, police may have played in the man’s injuries.
The IIO is asking any person with relevant information, or dashcam or other video footage regarding the incident to please contact the Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.
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.