The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) is asking for witnesses to come forward following a motor vehicle incident involving police in Fort St. John last week.
According to information provided by RCMP, the incident happened shortly before 11:30 a.m. on June 12, when officers located a man believed to have committed multiple offences. Police say the man had earlier avoided attempts to arrest him.
Officers later carried out what the IIO describes as a tactical arrest near the intersection of 112 Street and the Alaska Highway North.
During the operation, three vehicles made contact, and the man involved suffered injuries. He was taken to hospital for assessment and treatment.
Because of the location and time of day, investigators believe there may be witnesses or video recordings from cell phones or nearby businesses that could help clarify what happened. The IIO is asking anyone with information to come forward.
The civilian-led police watchdog says it was notified shortly after the incident and has launched an investigation.
As with all cases, the IIO will first determine whether the injuries meet the threshold of “serious harm” under the Police Act, and whether there is a connection between that harm and police actions.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has video is asked to contact the IIO’s witness line.