An 18-year-old cyclist was killed after being struck by a vehicle fleeing a police interception in Montreal, according to new information released by Quebec’s independent police watchdog.
The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) says it has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding an intervention involving the Sûreté du Québec (SQ).
According to preliminary information provided to the BEI, an unmarked SQ cruiser was travelling in the area around noon Friday when officers allegedly observed a vehicle committing a possible Highway Safety Code violation.
The officers attempted to intercept the vehicle, which allegedly fled.
The fleeing vehicle then struck a cyclist, whose death was confirmed at the scene.
The collision happened at the intersection of Jeanne-Mance Street and Henri-Bourassa Boulevard in Montreal’s Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough.
The BEI says six investigators have been assigned to examine the circumstances surrounding the police intervention.
The Montreal police (SPVM) has been called in to provide support services to the independent investigation. A separate criminal investigation into the events has also been entrusted to the SPVM.
The BEI is asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the agency through its website.
—With files from The Canadian Press, first published in French and translated by CityNews
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