IIO Refers Report to Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding July 2024 Motor Vehicle Incident in Greenwood (2024-147)
Case: 2024-147 Incident Date: July 1, 2024 Location: Greenwood Detachment: Midway Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Referral to Crown Counsel (RTCC)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 2024-147.
Shortly after 2:30 p.m. on July 1, 2024, an officer driving an unmarked black Chevrolet Tahoe was in the process of repositioning their police vehicle to conduct a traffic stop near the intersection of North Government Avenue (Highway 3) and Campbell Street. While they were completing a U-turn, there was a collision between the Chevrolet and a grey Hyundai Tucson.
One of the four occupants of the Hyundai sustained serious injuries, while two others sustained minor injuries. The fourth occupant in the Hyundai was uninjured in the collision. The officer driving the Chevrolet also sustained minor injuries.
The IIO was notified of the incident the same day it occurred and commenced an investigation.
Upon completion of the investigation, Chief Civilian Director Jessica Berglund reviewed the evidence and determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that the officer may have committed an offence in relation to the use of their vehicle. 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.