Actions by Campbell River RCMP are being probed by civilian investigators after a motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in a collision with a police cruiser Sunday.
The man was speeding and not wearing a helmet when officers tried to pull him over on Evergreen Road at about 2: 05 a.m., according to information from the newly formed Independent Investigations Office of B.C.
The civilian-led group was formed this year and for three months has been scrutinizing police throughout the province when people die or are injured in encounters with officers.
Spokesman Owen Court said he does not know the extent of the motorcyclist's injuries, but the man was taken to Campbell River Hospital.
The Vancouver Island Health Authority said the motorcyclist is in serious condition, a description given for patients who are acutely ill and might have unstable vital signs.
Details about how the crash occurred were not released.
"My understanding is that the individual collided with the police car," Court said. "We're not sure yet how it came about."
Police regularly stop speeders on the busy and increasingly dangerous road, said area resident Debra Castle. She woke up about 3 a.m. and could see the lights from police cars flashing outside her home near the intersection at Elk River Timber Road.
Five members of the Independent Investigations Office arrived in Campbell River Sunday about 6 a.m., marking the first time the team has tackled a case on Vancouver Island. While they conduct their review, the Mounties will continue with their investigation and determine what charges, if any, they plan to recommend.
