Prince George, B.C.- 250News has learned,  Crown Counsel has decided it will not proceed  with charges  in the case which saw a UTV and  police vehicle  collide on Northwood Pulpmill Road last August.

In the early morning of August 11, RCMP officers in Prince George responded to a complaint that a “side by side” all terrain utility vehicle (UTV) was being driven in an erratic manner. The UTV subsequently collided with a police vehicle and landed down an embankment. The UTV driver sustained minor injuries. The passenger sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital. The IIO was notified immediately and an investigation was initiated.

In early December,  the IIO  forwarded the file to Crown for  possible charges.

The Chief Civilian Director of the IIO does not make a recommendation on whether charges should be approved or what charges Crown Counsel should consider. Under the Crown Counsel Act, the Criminal Justice Branch has jurisdiction over the charge assessment and charge approval process.

In approving charges, the Criminal Justice Branch must be satisfied not only that an offence may have been committed, but that the commission of an offence can be proven in court beyond a reasonable doubt. Criminal Justice Branch policy provides that in making this assessment Crown counsel will apply a two-part test:

1. There must be a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence gathered by the investigating agency.

2. A prosecution must be required in the public interest.