IIO clears officer who struck pedestrians jaywalking across B.C. highway

DUNCAN — The head of British Columbia’s police watchdog has cleared an officer of any wrongdoing after their vehicle struck two people who were jaywalking across a B.C. highway earlier this year.

The decision posted Friday says the crash happened around 5:50 a.m. on April 10 when the unnamed off-duty officer was driving to work in Duncan.

It says the pedestrians sustained multiple broken bones and internal injuries, and were taken to hospital.

The decision says CCTV footage from a nearby business captured the incident from a distance, showing the pair who “appear as dark shapes” walking across the Trans-Canada Highway, despite a sign telling people not to cross there.

The document says it was reasonably unforeseeable that the officer, who stayed at the scene and called 911 to report the incident, would expect two pedestrians to suddenly appear in the middle of the highway where there was poor lighting.

It says witnesses described the officer as travelling close to the speed limit and there was no evidence to suggest they were driving without care or attention.

Chief civilian director of the Independent Investigations Office Jessica Berglund’s decision says she does not believe there are reasonable grounds to believe the officer committed any offence, so no charges will be recommended.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2025.

The Canadian Press