The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has completed its investigation into the death of a Victoria taxi driver, clearing VicPD officers of any wrongdoing in the incident.
At around 12:50 a.m. on October 19th, VicPD officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a blue Nissan Titan on Courtney Street between Gordon and Douglas Streets.
Police say the vehicle did not stop and was subsequently involved in a collision with a taxi as well as a BC Transit bus near the intersection of Douglas and Humboldt Streets.
The 25-year-old taxi driver, Rajinder Singh, was seriously injured in the collision and, despite the life-saving measures of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.
The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred and launched an investigation to determine if police actions, or inaction, may have played a role in Singh’s death.
“The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including forensic scene investigation, statements from civilian witnesses, video footage, and police records – and determined that the involved officers were acting lawfully when they attempted a traffic stop of the Titan,” wrote the IIO in a statement on the matter.
“The Titan drove away quickly, and the officers did not engage in a high-speed pursuit. Their actions are not responsible for the taxi driver’s tragic death.”
Singh was affectionately known as Ronnie to his friends.
Related:
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According to his friends, he was originally from India, but moved to Canada as an international student with hopes of providing a better life for his family.
Singh initially settled in Toronto before relocating to Victoria four years ago.
“Ronnie had this incredible ability to uplift the mood of the whole room the moment he walked in,” said Sharad Chaudhary, Ronnie’s best friend of the past four years.
“He was full of energy, always hardworking, and so honest. Half of Victoria loved him. He was truly a bright soul.”
The driver responsible for the collision which led to Singh’s death was arrested at the scene.
— With files from Mike Kelly.
