A man who was allegedly driving on Metro Vancouver’s Pattullo Bridge last month before a fatal crash was arrested and had his vehicle impounded, and the province is appealing to have the car forfeited, according to a notice of civil claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court.
The March 5 claim obtained by CTV News alleges the driver, in a Tesla Model Y, was “racing with, or in the alternative travelling with” a Nissan Altima at “excessive speeds” on the bridge the night of Feb. 14.
The Nissan then collided with a commercial truck. Another small vehicle was involved in the crash and, between the three vehicles, three occupants were killed and one seriously injured.
The Tesla—which did not crash—fled the scene, according to the claim.
Police arrested and then released the alleged driver, Gurshaan Singh Sandhu, and impounded the Tesla on Feb. 26.
The Surrey Police Service told CTV News no charges have been forwarded to prosecutors for approval, and none of the allegations made in the civil claim have been tested in court.
“This is a very complex and high-consequence investigation that will require time to compile information to present to the Crown,” police wrote in a statement.
B.C.’s director of civil forfeiture is suing Sandhu and the Tesla’s co-owner and seeking to take possession of the vehicle, which the province believes is “an instrument of criminal activity.”
“The vehicle has been used by the defendants, and in particular, G. Sandhu, to engage in unlawful activities which variously resulted in, or were likely to result in, or caused, or could have resulted in serious bodily harm,” the claim reads.
Specifically, the director cites Motor Vehicle Act offences including failing to remain at the scene of an accident, excessive speeding and driving in a careless matter, and criminal offences including operating a conveyance causing bodily harm or death.
“If the vehicle, or proceeds from the sale of the vehicle, are released to the defendants, they will likely be used for the unlawful activity,” the claim reads.
Meanwhile, police say the investigation into the deadly crash is ongoing and updates will be provided “when appropriate.”
