Attempted traffic stop preceded crash in Coquitlam

B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating a dramatic rollover crash in Coquitlam that followed an attempted traffic stop Sunday morning.

According to the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIOBC), an RCMP officer was conducting speed checks with a radar gun on Highway 1 eastbound near Government Street when the officer spotted a grey Dodge Charger travelling at a rate of high speed.

The officer tried to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver of the Dodge didn't stop and instead proceeded to take the Brunette Avenue off-ramp at a high speed. The Dodge then struck a traffic island, was launched into the air and hit a northbound Kia Sorrento. The impact of the crash caused the Kia to flip onto its roof, while the Dodge rolled over a barrier and landed in a ditch on the other side of Brunette Avenue.

According to B.C. Emergency Health Services, the collision was reported at around 9:04 a.m. on Sunday. Four individuals received treatment at the scene, two of which were later taken to hospital in critical condition. The other two were taken to hospital in stable condition.

The IIOBC confirmed the Dodge was carrying just the driver, while the Kia was carrying five occupants. All were taken to local hospital.

Investigators will now determine whether police action or inaction in attempting the traffic stop was a factor in the crash. Anyone who saw, heard or recorded the incident is asked to contact the IIOBC's dedicated witness line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.