Crown to consider charges against B.C. Highway Patrol officer after 2021 Merritt-area crash

MERRITT — B.C.’s police watchdog is forwarding its investigation of an October 2021 Merritt-area crash to Crown counsel for consideration of charges. Just after 12:00 noon on October 27, 2021, a B.C. Highway Patrol (BCHP) member tried to stop a southbound Honda near the intersection of Highways 5 and 5A. When the Honda did not stop, the BCHP member did not pursue.A short time later and some distance away, the Honda crashed with another vehicle. The male passenger in the Honda was taken to hospital with serious injuries, while the male driver sustained more minor injuries.

Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) Chief Civilian Director Ron MacDonald said, after looking over the evidence, there are no reasonable grounds to believe the BCHP officer’s actions contributed to the crash. However, MacDonald has concluded the officer “may have committed an offence in relation to the operation of their police vehicle.”

The matter is now forwarded to the B.C. Prosecution Service for charge consideration.

Crown to consider charges against B.C. Highway Patrol officer after 2021 Merritt-area crash

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