Shortly after 6:00 p.m. on September 23, RCMP observed a prohibited driver in breach of his conditions driving towards West Kelowna via the W.R. Bennett Bridge.
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 (in the suspect vehicle) 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 Collision Reconstructionists attended the scene and the area was closed to all vehicle traffic for approximately three hours. Kelowna Regional 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 Investigation Office of BC (IIO BC) has been notified and is investigating to determine whether police actions or inactions are linked to the man’s injuries. As the matter is now under investigation by the IIO BC, no further information will be released by police.
Please note that all aspects and circumstances of this incident will be the subject of independent investigation and verification by the IIO BC. For more information about the IIO BC and media updates, you can visit their website at www.iiobc.ca .