Police notify watchdog after scooter struck by stolen pickup in Surrey, B.C., leaving rider critically injured

Surrey police and B.C.'s police watchdog are investigating a crash involving a stolen vehicle that sent one person to hospital.

A scooter was struck by a stolen Ford F350 in Surrey, B.C., early Wednesday morning, leaving the rider with life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Authorities said the collision happened near 88 Avenue and 128 Street around 5:25 a.m., after which the driver fled the scene on foot.

The Surrey Police Service said officers searched the area but have yet to track down the driver.

Police also said they notified provincial watchdog the Independent Investigations Office, which is tasked with reviewing any officer-involved incidents that result in death or serious harm, regardless of whether there’s an allegation of wrongdoing against law enforcement.

In a news release, the SPS said frontline officers had “observed” the Ford F350 down the street near 88 Avenue and Holt Road “moments” before the collision.

Asked whether police may have given chase, SPS spokesperson Sgt. Tige Pollock told CTV News he did not have “any information to confirm that there was a pursuit,” and directed any further questions to the IIO.

In a statement, spokesperson Simon Druker said whatever happened in the moments after officers spotted the Ford F350 will be “part of the ongoing IIO investigation,” and that the watchdog is “not providing further information right now.”

“In general, the Police Act requires the police to notify the IIO of any incident that may fall within its jurisdiction,” Druker added.

The early stages of the watchdog’s investigation will focus on determining whether officers’ actions or inaction may have played a role in the collision, the IIO said.

The stolen pickup also struck a Honda Accord before running into the scooter, but authorities said the sole occupant was not seriously hurt.

Officers on scene “immediately rendered aid” to the scooter rider until paramedics arrived and took the victim to hospital with critical injuries, the SPS said.

The collision is being investigated by the department’s Collision Investigation Unit, which kept the area of 88 Avenue and 128 Street closed for hours Wednesday as members surveyed the scene.

The intersection has since reopened to traffic.