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Police watchdog opens probe after 2 men taken to hospital in crash

IIO investigates crash

B.C.'s police watchdog is looking into an incident in Spallumcheen that sent two men to hospital.

RCMP said Thursday an officer was travelling south on Highway 97A on Dec. 1 just before 9:30 p.m. when they, and the pick-up truck ahead of them, were passed by a grey vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed.

The officer activated their lights and sirens and followed the grey vehicle, driving dangerously before losing sight of the vehicle, said RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Janelle Shoihet.

It is reported that the officer deactivated the emergency equipment but continued to travel southbound, patrolling for the vehicle.

Just after 9:45 p.m. police received a report of a single vehicle collision on Highway 97A near Armstrong. Officers located a vehicle matching the description of the one that had passed the officer earlier, with two men inside.

Both men were transported to a local hospital by ambulance for treatment of what were believed to be serious but non-life threatening injuries.

IIO BC is investigating to determine whether police actions are linked to the two men's injuries. The agency investigates any police-involved incident that results in serious injury or death, regardless of whether there is any allegation of wrongdoing.



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