Vanderhoof, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office will not continue   investigating  an incident that  took place in Vanderhoof in March.

Just after 4 a.m.  on March 10th,  a  Vanderhoof RCMP officer in a marked police vehicle was travelling northbound on Burrard Ave. As he  drove past a local convenience store, he noted a "large cloud of dust" then , as he slowed he saw a truck emerge from the dust and heard it accelerate as it turned southbound on to Burrard.

The officer activated his emergency lights , turned around, proceeding southbound.

The truck  continued toward 1st St. (Highway 16), it failed to stop at a red light and turned right onto 1st St. at a high rate of speed. The officer momentarily lost sight of the truck until he reached  the intersection and observed the truck, crashed into a utility pole.

The three passengers in the truck  were injured. Two were believed to have sustained serious injuries, including fractures. As this appeared to be an officer-related incident that resulted in serious harm, the IIO was called in and  six investigtors were sent  to  investigate.

The IIO says  its investigation  has concluded the  incdiedent was  not  the result of any actions by the officer .  Among the information gathered,  were interviews with the  driver of the truck and the passengers.  The driver and passengers  indicated they were not aware that the officer was following them until  just prior to the crash.

While the collision did result in serious harm to the affected persons, it was deemed not officer-involved and IIO had no jurisdiction.  The file has been closed  and no further action will be taken.