UPDATE Motorcycle driver dies after North Okanagan crash

Sep 1, 2020 | 4:53 PM

B.C.’s police watchdog said a motorcycle driver has died of injuries sustained in a crash in the North Okanagan.

The Independent Investigations Office said an RCMP officer tried unsuccessfully to stop the motorcyclist in Enderby on Sunday.

Police had received multiple reports of a biker travelling without a helmet and speeding before the bike collided with a pickup truck in Grindrod shortly after the failed stop.

The IIO stated it’s been notified the man died in hospital Monday and says its investigation into the crash continues.

The agency’s probe will determine if police actions or inactions are connected to the man’s death.

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(With files from The Canadian Press)

Aug. 31

A motorbike operator suffered serious injuries in a crash after a head-on collision with a pick-up truck in the North Okanagan.

The crash is under investigation by both the police and the Independent Investigations Office of B.C.

The collision took place near Springbend Road in Grindrod Sunday (Aug. 30) around 11:30 a.m., about a half hour after police received several complaints of a man, with no helmet, riding a motorcycle with no licence plate.

The bike was said to be speeding in and out of traffic in Lake Country, Vernon and Enderby on Highway 97.

“An officer located the motorcycle in Lake Country, where the rider allegedly failed to stop and the officer did not pursue. Another officer located the bike in Enderby on Highway 97 near Mill Avenue but was unable to initiate a traffic stop,” Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet, senior media relations officer with BC RCMP Communication Services said.

Shoihet said police were able to confirm the rider and motorcycle were the same as the one previously observed.

“The rider suffered serious, potentially life threatening injuries and was transported to a local area hospital by BC Emergency Health Services. The driver and passenger in the pick-up were not physically injured.”

Shoihet said while the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP continue to investigate the driving infractions, the Independent Investigations Office is investigating to determine whether police actions or inactions are connected to the man’s injuries.

“As the matter is now under investigation by the IIO BC, no further information will be released by police,” Shoihet said.

by Pete McIntyre

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