IIO Refers Report to Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding May 2024 Motor Vehicle Incident in Vancouver (2024-116)
Case: 2024-116 Incident Date: May 21, 2024 Agency: Municipal Location: Vancouver Detachment: Vancouver Police Department Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Open - Investigation in ProgressINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
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 2024-116.
At around 12:30 a.m. on May 21, 2024, an officer with the Vancouver Police Department was driving eastbound on East Hastings Street near Dunlevy Avenue when their police vehicle struck a pedestrian.
The pedestrian was then taken by ambulance to the hospital where it was determined they had suffered serious injuries.
The IIO was notified of the incident the same day 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 driving offences 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.