Police watchdog investigates after two seriously injured in Surrey crash

British Columbia's police watchdog is investigating after two people were seriously injured during an attempted traffic stop in Surrey, including a pedestrian with life-threatening injuries.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. says Surrey Police Service officers tried to stop a black Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck near King George Boulevard and 96 Avenue at about 3 a.m. Monday. A collision involving the pickup and a police vehicle then occurred.

The pickup continued from the scene before crashing into a concrete SkyTrain pillar on King George Boulevard at Holland Commons, injuring the driver. The IIO says a pedestrian was also found at the scene with serious injuries. Surrey police say the pedestrian's injuries are life-threatening, while the driver's injuries are serious but not life-threatening. Both were taken to hospital.

The IIO is investigating whether the injuries meet the Police Act threshold for serious harm and, if they do, whether police actions or inactions caused them. Under the legislation, serious harm includes injuries that may result in death, disfigurement, or loss of function of a limb or organ.

If the threshold is met and the injuries are connected to police conduct, investigators will assess the evidence for reasonable grounds to believe an officer committed an offence. If reasonable grounds are found, the IIO's chief civilian director may recommend that the provincial prosecution service approve charges.

The IIO is seeking witnesses and anyone with photographs or video. The watchdog investigates all police-related incidents in B.C. involving death or serious harm, whether or not police wrongdoing is alleged.