Watchdog investigating after person has medical emergency while in Vancouver police custody

The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) is investigating a medical emergency involving a driver in police custody following a car crash in Vancouver. Officers responded to the crash on Georgia Street near Broughton Street shortly after 11 p. m. Friday, where the driver crashed a black Tesla into a parked vehicle. While a passenger was taken to the hospital, the driver was taken into custody and subsequently transported to jail.

Upon arrival, the driver was found in medical distress, prompting aid until Emergency Health Services arrived. The IIO is determining if the driver’s injuries constitute ‘serious harm’ as defined by the Police Act and if these injuries are connected to police actions. If both conditions are satisfied, the investigation will delve into the evidence to understand the circumstances. The chief civilian director will later assess if there are reasonable grounds to believe an offense occurred. Investigators are urging anyone with relevant information or video footage to contact the IIO witness line.