B.C.’s police watchdog is now investigating the deadly crash that claimed the life of a West Shore Mountie last week.
The Independent Investigation Office has been called in to probe the events leading up to the collision that killed Const. Sarah Beckett in Langford on April 5.
The BC RCMP issued a media release Friday afternoon saying the IIO was advised of the crash at the time, but didn’t launch an investigation until information came to light about a police attempt to stop a suspect vehicle before the collision.
The IIO investigation will look at whether “the actions or inactions of any police officer may have been a contributing factor,” the release said.
The RCMP Island District General Investigations Section are also conducting a criminal investigation into the crash, while the Saanich Police Department is overseeing the collision scene investigation.
The RCMP said no further information pertaining to either investigation is being released at this time.
Beckett's police cruiser was struck in the intersection of Peatt Road and Goldstream Avenue at around 3:30 a.m. on April 5.
The driver of the pickup truck that hit the cruiser was taken into custody, but released the next day without being charged.
Beckett, a 32-year-old wife and mother of two, was laid to rest in an emotional regimental funeral service Tuesday attended by hundreds of first responders from across the country.
