The Independent Investigations Office of BC has concluded it has reason to believe an officer may have committed an offence during a traffic stop in Ladysmith.
On April 17, 2021 just after midnight, officers attempted to stop a white Pontiac Montana van in the 100-block of Highway 1 in Ladysmith.
The van didn’t stop, so officers used their vehicle to halt the van.
A police dog was used to help bring the man into custody, and the driver sustained serious dog-bite injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Chief Civilian Director Ronald MacDonald reviewed the available evidence and concluded one of the officers may have committed an offence related to their driving and use of the police dog.
The IIO has forwarded a report to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges.
“In order to approve any charges, the BC Prosecution Service must be satisfied that there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence gathered by the IIO, and that prosecution be required in the public interest,” the IIO says in a statement on its website.
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