The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has determined that an off-duty Abbotsford Police officer might have committed an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act when he was involved in a collision that killed a 14-year-old longboarder last December.
The IIO announced today that it has completed its investigation into the incident and has made a report to the Criminal Justice Branch (CJB).
The collision that resulted in the death of Marcus Larabie took place at about 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 26, 2014 in the intersection of Bourquin Crescent West and Mill Lake Road, near the Bourquin bus exchange.
The IIO has concluded that Marcus was riding a longboard or skateboard westbound when he was struck by a southbound 2009 Mazda 3 driven by an off-duty officer who had just finished a shift and had a green light at the time.
The teen was airlifted to hospital, where he died just before midnight.
The IIO, which investigates matters involving officer-related incidents of death or serious harm, determined that alcohol was not a factor in the collision.
The IIO has spent the last several months gathering information, including interviewing witnesses and securing evidence and video footage.
Abbotsford Police Department (APD) collision reconstructionists also performed numerous test and calculations based on evidence obtained at the scene.
The IIO’s acting chief civilian director has now forwarded the file to the CJB, indicating that it is believed the officer might have committed an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act.
It is now up to Crown counsel to determine what, if any, charges should be laid, taking into consideration whether there is a “substantial likelihood of conviction” and whether a prosecution is in the public’s best interest.
Depending on the infraction, the officer could receive just a ticket/fine or face no repercussions.
The IIO emphasizes that its threshold to refer this case to the CJB is lower than it would be for other law enforcement agencies.