Image Credit: Global BC

By James Peters

IIO

VIDEO: Police watchdog takes over after pursuit near Merritt ends in serious injuries

Jun 7, 2021 | 11:41 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — The Independent Investigation Office of B.C. (IIO) has taken over the probe into a police chase and shootout near Merritt Sunday (June 6).

In a news release, the IIO says at about 3:50 p.m. Sunday, officers tried to pull over a Ford F-350 as part of an investigation. The vehicle did not stop for police.

Less than two hours later, at about 5:30 p.m., officers again located the vehicle on Highway 5.

Witnesses said there were gunshots exchanged between the two vehicles and the pickup truck went over a police spike belt, travelling for a period of time on just its rims.

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The pursuit eventually came to an end on Highway 8 in the area of Lower Nicola, near Snake Road and Highway 97C.

There were two people inside the pickup — a man and a child believed to be under the age of 12. Both were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

The IIO will determine if there is any criminality in police actions that led to the injuries.

WATCH: (Video Credit: Global BC)