A Central Saanich police officer is facing a charge under the Motor Vehicle Act nearly a year after a collision involving a cyclist prompted an independent investigation.
On Thursday, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) confirmed that one count of driving without due care and attention has been approved against Corporal Phillip DiBattista of the Central Saanich Police Service.
The charge stems from an incident that occurred on May 21st, 2024, in the 7100-block of Wallace Drive. At around 8 p.m., a marked police vehicle driven by DiBattista collided with a cyclist who was riding along the road.
The officer stopped and immediately called for emergency medical services.
The cyclist’s injuries, while not categorized as “serious harm,” were enough to prompt a review by the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC—an oversight agency that investigates police-involved incidents resulting in death or injury.
The BC Prosecution Service announced that a charge under the Motor Vehicle Act has been approved against a member of the Central Saanich Police Service, Cpl. Phillip DiBattista, following an incident on May 21, 2024. #BCPS #CSPS https://t.co/ngS7ixvnEN pic.twitter.com/atzYKNL2wP
— BC Prosecution Service (@BCProsecution) May 15, 2025
Following its investigation, the IIO submitted a report to the BCPS, concluding there were reasonable grounds to believe the officer may have violated the Motor Vehicle Act.
The charge was officially sworn on May 15th at Victoria Provincial Court. DiBattista is scheduled to make his first court appearance on June 11th.
The BCPS said the charge was approved by a Crown Counsel with no connection to the officer. No further comments will be made at this time, as the matter is now before the courts.
The IIO continues to serve as the province’s civilian-led body tasked with investigating incidents involving police that result in death or serious injury, regardless of whether there is an allegation of wrongdoing.
