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Investigation finds no wrongdoing by Ladysmith RCMP after pursuit ends in bicycle crash

E-bike rider suffered ‘significant injury’ in February after hitting curb and colliding with sign
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The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. concluded an investigation into a February incident in which a man hit a curb, ‘ejected’ from his e-bike, and collided with a street sign near Ladysmith. (File photo)

An investigation has found that Ladysmith RCMP officers didn’t do anything wrong in a pursuit of a cyclist that ended in a bike crash.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C., the civilian oversight agency of police in B.C., found no evidence of wrongdoing after concluding an investigation into the injuries of a Ladysmith man in an incident Feb. 7, according to an information bulletin from the IIO.

Police were called following a report of a man who appeared to be in distress waving at passing motorists on the southbound side of the Trans-Canada Highway near Westdowne Road. They located a man who matched the description riding an e-bike northbound on the highway near Platt Road.

According to the information bulletin, police followed the e-bike at a safe distance, blocked traffic to protect the rider, and attempted to get the rider to stop with calls over the loudspeaker.

READ MORE: Man shot in the head by police in North Cowichan breathing on his own

When the rider was south of Roberts Street, still travelling north on the highway, the e-bike struck a curb.

“The man was ejected and struck a nearby speed signpost, causing a significant injury,” the release noted.

The IIO bulletin noted that there was no physical contact between the man and police before the collision. The chief civilian director reviewed video footage, civilian witness statements, medical information and police records and determined that police actions were not responsible for the man’s injuries.

The IIO investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing from responding police.


bailey.seymour@nanaimobulletin.com

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