Saturday Afternoon Update to IIO Investigation in Abbotsford

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office of BC now confirms investigators will be back at the scene of last evening’s motor vehicle collision between an off duty police officer and a 14 year old male youth. The youth sustained serious injuries and did not survive. He passed away shortly before midnight on December 26.

IIO investigators have completed preliminary investigative activities and will be at the scene of the crash hoping to locate additional witnesses, video surveillance and other independent evidence. While the investigation remains dynamic, early indications are that alcohol was not a factor.

To date, witnesses have come forward to provide statements that appear to place the driver of the vehicle at a controlled intersection southbound on the green light. Investigators are working to establish the specific positioning of the youth in the intersection and to confirm reports that he was riding a long board/skateboard at the time of the crash.  Anyone who may have been in the area is asked to contact the IIO at 1-855-446-8477.

As per IIO policy and practice, information related to the officer will not be provided or released by the IIO.
Information related to the young affected person and cause of death remain under the jurisdiction of the BC Coroners Service and as such, the IIO will not be making any comment.

While we understand the significant public interest in this investigation, as with all IIO investigations, we balance the need for disclosure with the needs of investigative integrity and privacy for those individuals and families impacted.
It is expected that this will be the final update until early next week.

Independent Investigations Office

kellie.kilpatrick@iiobc.ca