The Independent Investigations Office of BC is reviewing the conduct of Kelowna RCMP officers following a significant car crash on Monday night.
Shortly after 6:00 PM, RCMP observed a prohibited driver in breach of his conditions driving towards West Kelowna via the Bennett Bridget. A member of the Kelowna Regional RCMP, in his marked police vehicle, attempted to stop the suspect vehicle as it took the exit to Westside Road on the west side of the bridge.
The vehicle failed to stop and continued driving away from police. Approximately a half a kilometre away along Highway 97 near Boucherie Road the suspect vehicle was involved in a collision involving three other vehicles.
Kelowna Regional RCMP and emergency crews including BC Ambulance and the Fire Department attended.
A trapped male driver was rescued and taken to Kelowna General Hospital with serious injuries. The drivers of the three other vehicles were not seriously injured.
Southeast District RCMP Traffic Reconstructionists attended the scene and the area was closed to all vehicle traffic for approximately three hours. The RCMP investigation into this portion of the incident is ongoing. Police are asking for any witnesses or individuals with information that have not yet spoken to police to contact the Kelowna Regional RCMP at 250-768-2880.
The Independent Investigations Office of BC has been notified and is investigating to determine whether police actions or inactions are linked to the man’s injuries.