(Image Credit: IIO)
IIO

IIO investigating arrest of truck driver near Bear Lake

Aug 26, 2026 | 9:14 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is looking into the arrest of a man by Prince George RCMP earlier this month that left the individual injured.

According to the IIO, the incident happened shortly after 3:30 p.m. on August 11, 2026, when a man was driving a commercial truck southbound on Highway 97 near Bear Lake. An RCMP officer from Prince George conducted a traffic stop and interacted with the driver while the vehicle was pulled over on the side of the highway.

The civilian police watchdog says the encounter escalated, resulting in the officer deploying a Conducted Energy Weapon, commonly known as a Taser. The man suffered injuries during the arrest.

The IIO says it was notified of the incident by the affected person the following day and subsequently launched an investigation.

As part of its process, the agency first examines whether a person suffered serious harm, as defined under the Police Act, or died, and whether that harm is connected to police actions or inaction. If both conditions are met, investigators continue gathering evidence to determine exactly what occurred.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the chief civilian director will assess whether there are reasonable grounds to believe a criminal offence may have been committed.

The IIO emphasized that an investigation does not imply wrongdoing by police. The office is responsible for independently investigating all police-related incidents in British Columbia that result in serious harm or death, regardless of whether allegations have been made against officers involved.

Investigators are now seeking additional information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant knowledge about what occurred during the traffic stop.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IIO Witness Line at 1-855-446-8477 or through the contact form on the agency’s website.

No further details about the driver’s injuries or the circumstances leading to the traffic stop have been released. The investigation remains ongoing.