The B.C. Independent Investigations Office has cleared Kamloops RCMP of any wrongdoing in the death of as 48-year-old man who was struck and killed in a hit and run accident in October.
Chief Civilian Director Ronald McDonald says the man was arrested by Mounties for an alcohol-related offense, and he was detained in cells until 8:08 p.m. when officers determined he was fit for release.
McDonald says five and a half hours later the man was killed in a hit and run accident on Seymour Street.
“Some people may question well if this person was released and then later found themselves struck by a car perhaps they shouldn’t have been released when they were,” he said.
“In this case, we looked and we checked the video carefully. We also looked through file reports and we determined that in fact the person appeared sober and coordinated when he was released from the police and in that circumstance ought to have been released.”
The man’s release came nine hours after his arrest and the report points out that is ample time for effects of intoxication to dissipate.
The collision occurred around 1:30 AM the following morning.