An investigation by the Vancouver Police Department conducted at the request of the RCMP has resulted in Crown Counsel laying criminal charges against an officer assigned to the RCMP’s White Rock detachment.
The results of the investigation allege that RCMP Constable David Bickle’s actions and failure to follow the numerous federal and provincial guidelines regarding pursuit driving contributed to the death of a pedestrian.
After reviewing the information provided by VPD investigators, Crown Counsel has now formally charged Constable Bickle with one count of dangerous driving causing death and bodily harm.
On May 18th, 2011, just before 10 p.m., Constable Bickle allegedly attempted to stop a vehicle at or near the waterfront on Marine Drive. He then allegedly continued to pursue the vehicle eastbound on Buena Vista, then northbound on Johnston Road.
The driver refused to stop, ultimately colliding with a vehicle at the intersection of Thrift Avenue and Johnston Road. He then accelerated through the intersection against a red traffic signal and struck pedestrian Marilyn Laursen as she attempted to cross Johnston Road from the west to east side of the street.
The suspect didn’t stop to assist Ms. Laursen, continuing northbound on Johnston Road. The 56 year old victim was transported to Peace Arch Hospital but her injuries were fatal.
The driver, Kyle Danyliuk, was arrested and charged; he pleaded guilty to four charges in February 2012 and is scheduled to be sentenced in September.
Immediately following the collision, the RCMP asked the VPD to investigate the actions of Constable Bickle.
At the time of the incident, Constable Bickle had served two years with the RCMP. White Rock was his only posting since graduating from Depot. He had been working alone the night of the collision, operating a marked police vehicle and working in full police uniform.
