IIO probing fatal crash after suspect flees from Vancouver police in 3

IIO probing fatal crash after suspect flees from Vancouver police in 3-wheeler

The province's independent police watchdog is investigating after the man was pronounced dead in hospital

B.C.'s police oversight agency is asking for witnesses to a motor vehicle crash that killed a man in downtown Vancouver on Friday to come forward.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) said the man, who was driving a three-wheeled Polaris Slingshot, was fleeing from police when he was involved in a collision.

The man was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead, the IIO said.

The Vancouver Police Department said in a statement that officers on foot approached the man around 3 p.m. PT on Friday near Canada Place.

It said the officers were investigating alleged fraud and attempted to speak with the male suspect, who was in a vehicle, but he drove away.

The collision happened less than a block away, according to police. No one else was injured, and police then reported the incident to the IIO.

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"We do know the police attempted to stop the vehicle. The exact nature of what ensued in the time between that and the collision is something that the IIO would certainly look into," said IIO spokesperson Simon Druker.

Druker said there were likely many witnesses, as the incident happened in a busy area on a Friday afternoon and involved a distinct vehicle.

"Information that is provided by witnesses can be crucial," said Druker. "We are eager to hear from them."

The IIO is called in anytime police officers or guards are involved in incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there are allegations of wrongdoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or may have dashcam footage should contact the IIO.

Michelle Gomez is a writer and reporter at CBC Vancouver. You can contact her at michelle.gomez@cbc.ca.