IIO Release Jurisdiction of Incident in Vernon (2019-018)
Case: 2019-018 Incident Date: January 25, 2019 Agency: RCMP Location: Vernon Detachment: Vernon Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public Report INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey – The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. has concluded its investigation into an incident in Vernon on January 25, 2019.
Reported by the RCMP, at approximately 2:44 a.m., an officer attempted to stop a red Cadillac sedan travelling westbound on 39th Street, Vernon. It is reported that the vehicle failed to stop and shortly afterwards two officers located the vehicle near 32nd Avenue where it had collided with a tree.
A male passenger in the vehicle sustained head injuries and was transported to hospital.
In order for the IIO to sustain jurisdiction, the injuries must meet the definition of serious harm as defined in the Police Act.
In this case, the injuries sustained by the male do not meet the definition of serious harm. The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the information obtained during the IIO preliminary investigation and has determined all jurisdiction will be released to the RCMP.
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.