IIO team takes over investigation in Penticton

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
May 12, 2013

SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that its investigators have been deployed to a motor vehicle incident that occurred on May 11, 2013 near Penticton.

According to the RCMP, at approximately 9:10 p.m. an officer on patrol was travelling south on East Side Road between Penticton and Okanagan Falls.  The officer reportedly observed a motorcycle travelling north at a high rate of speed in what is a 60 kph speed zone.  The officer activated his emergency overhead lights and turned his vehicle around.  The officer lost sight of the motorcycle and continued north for approximately one kilometre.  At that point, he located the motorcycle, which had crashed.  One male believed to be the operator, did not survive his injuries. One female believed to be the passenger, remains in hospital in critical but stable condition.

The IIO was notified shortly after the collision and asserted jurisdiction.  An investigative team, including a traffic reconstructionist, has been deployed to the scene.  Additional resources will be assigned as required. The IIO preliminary investigation will include determining if this incident was officer-related.

The IIO and the Penticton 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.  More information on this investigation will be provided once it is available.

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.

Contact:

Owen Court
Independent Investigations Office of BC
604 788-1600
owen.court@iiobc.ca