IIO investigating after driver rolls truck while fleeing police in Comox Valley, RCMP say
The office that investigates incidents involving police officers in B.C. has been called to the Comox Valley after efforts to arrest a man Wednesday ended with him in hospital.
The BC RCMP announced Friday that it had notified the Independent Investigations Office of an incident that began with a stolen vehicle investigation in the 700-block of Ryan Road near downtown Courtenay.
A Comox Valley RCMP officer spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen in that area and – as the driver began to leave – attempted to block him from doing so.
"The driver then reportedly drove into the marked police vehicle before leaving the scene," the BC RCMP said in a news release.
"A search for the suspect and vehicle was initiated, including the use of the RCMP Air Services helicopter."
Police located the vehicle again approximately one kilometre away, where the driver allegedly again drove into a police vehicle, this one unmarked.
Officers next spotted the vehicle in a cul-de-sac on Prestwick Place and attempted to set up a spike belt, Mounties said.
"The vehicle allegedly attempted to drive past them, lost control and rolled," police said. "The driver was transported to hospital by Emergency Health Services where it was determined that he had suffered non-life-threatening injuries. No other individuals or police officers required medical treatment."
The IIO is tasked with investigating all incidents involving police officers in B.C. that result in death or serious injury to a member of the public, regardless of whether there is an allegation of wrongdoing on the part of police.
The office has been notified of this incident and will investigate to determine if police action or inaction contributed to the man's injuries.
In its own statement, the IIO described the stolen vehicle as a truck. The office asks anyone who witnessed the incident or has video of it to contact it at 855-446-8477 or to use the contact form on its website.
Comox Valley RCMP are still investigating the original stolen vehicle report, as well as the driver's actions. The detachment asks anyone with information to call it at 250-338-1321.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.