RCMP cleared of wrongdoing in Shuswap collision by police watchdog

RCMP in Tappen have been cleared of any wrongdoing with respect to a motor vehicle collision following an investigation by B.C.'s police watchdog.

The chief civilian director of the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. determined that on April 22, 2021, around 5:25 p.m., officers responding to reports of a disturbance at a residence in Tappen did not interfere with a blue Pontiac Vibe believed to be connected to the incident, according to an IIO media release issued today, May 10.

Officers were travelling in the opposite direction when they passed the Pontiac Vibe, travelling erratically in the opposite direction, IIO said.

Video from the police vehicle confirms officers turned their vehicle around to follow the Pontiac about a half minute later, but did not catch up to the vehicle until after it was already involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle.

The IIO's chief civilian director reviewed the evidence and concluded there was no connection between the officer’s actions and the collision.

The director said evidence clearly showed the erratic driving began before the officers turned around and they did not engage in pursuit.

The investigation has now concluded.

The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in B.C. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.

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