Police watchdog investigating after woman's death in Fort St. John

Photo: Contributed

B.C.'s police watchdog has been called after an incident in Fort St. John resulted in one woman’s death on Tuesday.

In a release, BC RCMP say frontline officers from the Fort St. John detachment received a report that an "intoxicated and suicidal woman" was driving north on the Alaska Highway just before 7 p.m. on March 8.

According to RCMP, officers found the woman in her vehicle at a gas station in the 16900-block of Highway 97 and attempted to speak with her, but that she reportedly drove away.

RCMP say officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, however, RCMP allege the woman failed to stop. RCMP say her vehicle was later found on Highway 97 upright in a ditch, and that the woman was found unconscious outside her vehicle.

The woman died at the scene despite life-saving efforts by a passerby and paramedics, RCMP said.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is investigating to determine whether police actions are linked to the woman’s death, RCMP said.

RCMP say they will not be releasing any further details.