B.C. police watchdog investigating after driver dies allegedly fleeing traffic stop

B.C.’s police watchdog is investigating a deadly crash that allegedly happened as a driver was fleeing a traffic stop.

A pickup truck driver is dead after reportedly trying to evade police before crashing into a tree in Abbotsford, B.C.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is investigating the incident as it tries to determine whether police actions or inactions contributed to the deadly collision.

The Abbotsford Police Department says the officer tried to stop the Dodge Ram pickup on Maclure Road near Townline Road at 11:37 p.m. Monday.

The driver fled from the officer and then lost control of the truck, which crashed into a tree near Maclure Road and Old Yale Road, the department said in a statement Tuesday.

“The driver of the vehicle was located deceased at the scene,” the statement said.

“No other vehicles were involved in the collision. The Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) has been called in to assist with the investigation.”

The police department notified the Independent Investigations Office of B.C., which is now seeking witnesses to the fatal crash.

The police watchdog investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death in B.C., whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing by police.

The collision scene remained closed to traffic Tuesday morning as officers gathered evidence related to the crash.

Police allege the pickup truck driver was speeding when the officer attempted to pull the vehicle over.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has information related to the investigation is asked to contact the IIO at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.