The province’s police watchdog is responding after a Wednesday morning crash in Surrey.
The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) says it was called to the scene after the Surrey Police Service reported a multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of 128 Street and 88 Avenue around 5:30 a.m.
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The SPS claims an officer driving a marked police vehicle spotted a suspected stolen pickup truck and then witnessed the driver of the truck crash with the drivers of a sedan and a motorized scooter.
“The rider of the scooter sustained serious injuries in the collision and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The driver and sole occupant of the Accord was not seriously harmed,” an IIO statement added.
“The IIO was notified shortly after the incident occurred and has begun an investigation.”
Police say the driver of the stolen vehicle then ran from the scene on foot. Officers and police dogs tried to find the suspect, but were reportedly unsuccessful.
Images from the scene show the SPS barricaded all directions with at least three damaged vehicles, including a sedan, a pickup truck, and a scooter, stopped near the intersection.
The IIO is the civilian oversight agency for police and detention guards in B.C.
It’s called to investigate after any police-related incidents that result in death or serious injury, whether or not there are any allegations of wrongdoing.
The SPS says it expects the intersection will remain closed for several hours Wednesday as investigators work.
