IIO Reaches Decision in May 2021 Motor Vehicle Incident in Sicamous (2021-126)
Case: 2021-126 Incident Date: May 20, 2021 Agency: RCMP Location: Sicamous Detachment: Sicamous Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - With Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Chief Civilian Director (CCD) of the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded an investigation into a motor vehicle incident in Sicamous.
As indicated in the previous release, on May 20, 2021 at approximately 4:00 p.m., officers attempted unsuccessfully to conduct a traffic stop of a light grey Honda Civic in Canoe, which is near Salmon Arm. Police in Sicamous were made aware that the Honda was heading towards their jurisdiction, and attempted another traffic stop using a spike belt on Highway 1 near the Bruhn Bridge in Sicamous. During the attempted stop, the Honda went off the road before coming to rest nearby.
Medical assistance was provided, but the female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver was taken to the hospital by Emergency Health Services for treatment of serious injuries.
The CCD has reviewed the available evidence and determined that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that any officer has committed an offence. Accordingly, the matter will not be referred to Crown Counsel for consideration of charges.
Due to concurrent court proceedings related to the incident, the IIO’s public report will not be released on the IIO website until that process has concluded.
Given the matter remains before the courts, the IIO will not comment further at this time.
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.