Investigators with the BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) Parksville are searching for any witnesses of a crash involving a speeding motorcycle that injured a police officer north of Duncan in early July.
Police say officers with BCHP Parksville were conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 1 near Smiley Road on July 7 when they spotted a motorcycle heading northbound and illegally overtaking several other motorists, as well as two marked police cars.
“Due to public safety concerns, the officers did not pursue the motorcycle, however radioed ahead to their colleagues,” said RCMP in a release Tuesday.
Roughly 20 minutes later, the motorcycle was spotted heading south by officers in a construction zone near Mount Sicker Road.
Police say the construction zone narrows traffic into one lane. In this one lane area, the motorcycle was allegedly seen overtaking vehicles once again.
“Traffic was halted and a uniformed officer raised his hand in an attempt to get the motorcycle to stop,” Mounties said.
The motorcycle did not stop, however, and instead accelerated, hitting the officer and knocking him onto the road, causing non-life-threatening injuries, according to RCMP.
The rider also struck and damaged a police motorcycle before speeding away, Mounties say.
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Police are reminding everyone to pull over if signaled by police.
“Failing to stop when directed to do so puts police, motorcyclists, and/or other road users at risk for serious injury and harm,” said Chief Super Int. Holly Turton, officer in charge of the BC Highway Patrol, in a statement.
“When police signal for you to pull over please follow this direction as required by Section 73 of the Motor Vehicle Act, thereby making our highways safer together,” she said.
Police are asking any witnesses to the crash to come forward and speak with Sgt. Rob Haney of BCHP – Parksville at 250-954-2950.
Any drivers who were in the area at the time on July 7 are also asked to review their dashcam footage.
Police say no description of the motorcycle or rider is available.
Adam Chan
