Police not at fault in motorcyclist’s death; IIO

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of the B.C. has determined no officer is at fault in the death of a motorcyclist who crashed following an attempted traffic stop in November.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2024, police attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a motorcycle not displaying a license plate near East Hastings Avenue. The driver failed to stop for officers and continues south on Victoria Drive.

Witnesses told the IIO that police discontinued the attempt to stop.

The IIO said the motorcycle collided with a parked vehicle a short time later near the intersection of E 8 Avenue and Victoria Drive.

“Statements from civilian witnesses, video from a nearby home, and data from the police vehicle confirm that at the time the collision happened, police were no longer attempting to stop the motorcycle,” the IIO said in a release.

The 21-year-old motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after its occurrence and began an investigation. The IIO is required to investigate all all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death.

The Chief Civilian Director reviewed evidence from video footage, witness statements, a collision report, medical information and police records. The IOO concluded there are “no reasonable grounds” to believe any officer created an offence.

“The officer had lawful grounds to attempt a traffic stop, and the motorcyclist’s unfortunate decision not to stop is not the responsibility of police,” the release says.