The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is investigating an incident in Courtenay which resulted in serious injuries to one man.
On Wednesday, October 5th, Comox Valley RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle.
An officer located the vehicle in a parking lot in the 700-block of Ryan Road.
The driver began to driveaway when spotted the officer and then drove into the police cruiser when the officer tried to block him.
Police said a search for the suspect and vehicle was initiated, including the use of the RCMP Air Services helicopter.
The vehicle was later located in a residential area approximately 1km away and a second un-marked police vehicle was struck.
The vehicle fled once again and was seen several times before police tracked it near Prestwick Place—once again, the driver tried to flee again, however, the suspect lost control of vehicle and the truck left the road and subsequently came to a stop nearby.
Paramedics attended the scene, and the man was transported to hospital with serious injuries.
The IIO BC has been notified and is investigating the actions of police to determine what role, if any, police may have played in the man’s injuries.
Comox Valley RCMP are also conducting a separate investigation into the original report of a stolen vehicle, and actions of the driver.
Anyone with information is asked to call Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321.
The IIO is asking anyone with relevant information or video footage regarding the incident to please contact the witness line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477.
