IIO to investigate fatal crash involving Const. Sarah Beckett

The independent civilian agency responsible for conducting investigations into serious police-related incidents is now involved in theinvestigation into the collision that killed Const. Sarah Beckett.

In a statement released late Friday, the B.C. RCMPannounced it had providedinformation to the Independent Investigation Officerelated"to an attempt by police to stop the suspect vehicle prior to the collision."

Beckett, 32, was travelling in a marked police careastbound on Goldstream Road when her vehiclewas struck by a pickup truck near the intersection of Peatt Road in the Victoriasuburb of Langford, B.C., on April 5.

RCMPspokesman S/Sgt, RobVermeulensays the IIO will examine whether the actions orinactionsof any police officer could have been a contributing factor to the crash.

Vermeulen says the IIO's investigation will be conducted in conjunction with thethe RCMP Island District General Investigations Section andthe Saanich Police Department'scriminal investigation of the accident.

The regimental funeral for Const. Becketton Tuesdaydrew thousands of people, including hundreds of Mounties.

Beckett,an 11-year member of the force who spent her entire career on Vancouver Island, is survived by her husband and two young children.