VPD officer facing charges after cyclist hit by vehicle during police chase

VPD

The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) announced this week that a charge of driving without due care and attention has been approved against Vancouver Police Const. John Pankratz, following an incident that took place one year ago this month.

In a statement, the BCPS said the charge relates to a September 12, 2018 incident involving the police pursuit of an alleged suspect who was fleeing a crime scene on a bicycle. It was on that day, around 2 am that the police officer – driving an unmarked vehicle – was following the cyclist on Hamilton Street.

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“A collision between the police vehicle driven by Const. Pankratz and the bicycle resulted in injuries to the suspect,” said the BCPS.

As a consequence of the injuries suffered, the incident was investigated by the Independent Investigations Office (IIO).

Following the investigation the IIO Chief Civilian Director determined that there were “reasonable grounds” to believe the officer driving the vehicle involved had committed an offence, the BCPS said.

Charges were sworn in against Pankratz this week, and his first court appearance is scheduled for October 7.