IIO Team Deployed to Vanderhoof

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
March 10, 2013

SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that its investigators have been deployed to an incident in Vanderhoof early on March 10, 2013.

According to the RCMP, at approximately 4:20 a.m., an officer in Vanderhoof observed a vehicle stunting in a parking lot. The vehicle left the scene and was reportedly not pursued by the officer. The officer happened upon the vehicle a short distance away and discovered it had struck a signpost.

The officer spoke briefly with the driver, who reportedly fled the scene when the officer checked on the three passengers. BC Ambulance Service paramedics examined the three passengers at the scene and determined that two had sustained serious injuries. All three were taken to hospital.

The IIO was notified at 6:53 a.m. on March 10, 2013. A team of six IIO investigators, including a forensic specialist, is traveling to Vanderhoof and will arrive this afternoon. Upon arrival, they will meet with the RCMP liaison officer and initiate the investigation.

The IIO and the Vanderhoof RCMP will work within the terms agreed upon in the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by the Chief Civilian Director and B.C.’s police services in July 2012. In particular, the MOU clarifies roles and responsibilities in those cases where there is a concurrent investigation. In this case, the RCMP will remain responsible for any concurrent investigation involving the actions of the driver of the vehicle or the affected persons.

As set by the Chief Civilian Director, the IIO’s goals are to conduct fair, unbiased, timely, thorough and competent investigations and ensure transparency through public reporting.

Please note that no additional information is available at the present time.

Contact:

Owen Court
Independent Investigations Office of BC
owen.court@iiobc.ca