British Columbia's police oversight agency has concluded that charges should be considered against an officer involved in a serious collision in Abbotsford last year. The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C. has forwarded its report to Crown prosecutors, citing reasonable grounds to believe an officer committed driving-related offences.
Details of the February 2025 Collision
The incident occurred on February 20, 2025, near the intersection of Gladwin and King roads. An unmarked Abbotsford Police Department vehicle collided with a GMC Envoy. The crash resulted in significant injuries, requiring the driver of the Envoy to be airlifted to hospital for treatment.
The two officers inside the police vehicle were also transported to a medical facility. Authorities confirmed they sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
IIO Investigation Concludes with Serious Findings
On Friday, the IIO announced the completion of its independent investigation into the Abbotsford police crash. Chief Civilian Director Jessica Berglund reviewed the evidence and determined there are "reasonable grounds to believe that an officer may have committed driving-related offences."
As a result, the civilian-led agency has formally submitted a report to the B.C. Prosecution Service (BCPS). The IIO has specifically asked prosecutors to consider laying charges under the provincial Motor Vehicle Act.
Next Steps: The Prosecution Service's Decision
The final decision on whether to approve charges now rests with the BCPS. Prosecutors must undertake a two-part assessment. First, they will evaluate whether the evidence presents a substantial likelihood of conviction. Second, they must decide if proceeding with a prosecution serves the public interest.
This process is standard for all cases referred by the IIO, ensuring an independent legal review follows the agency's investigative work. There is no timeline for when the prosecution service will announce its decision regarding potential charges from the police-involved collision.
The case highlights the role of B.C.'s independent watchdog in investigating incidents where police actions may cause serious harm or death, ensuring accountability and transparency.
