SURREY, British Columbia — A woman was fatally struck by a Surrey Police Service vehicle early on Christmas morning, prompting an investigation by British Columbia's independent police watchdog.
The incident occurred around 6 a.m. on Thursday at the intersection of 132nd Street and 108th Avenue in Surrey, according to a news release from the Independent Investigations Office (IIO). Officers from the Surrey Police Service were leaving a nearby Chevron gas station when their vehicle collided with the woman, the release stated, citing information provided by the police.
Emergency responders, including paramedics from BC Emergency Health Services, arrived quickly at the scene. The woman was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries but was later pronounced dead despite efforts to save her. "Despite medical attention from SPS officers, Surrey Fire Service firefighters, BCEHS paramedics, and hospital staff the woman tragically passed away," the Surrey Police Service said in its own news release.
The IIO, which oversees investigations into police-involved incidents that result in serious harm or death, has taken jurisdiction over the case. The watchdog's probe will examine the circumstances surrounding the woman's death, including any potential connection to the actions or inactions of the officers involved. "The IIO is now investigating the circumstances in the woman’s death, including whether there is a connection between her death and the actions or inactions of officers," the IIO stated.
Footage from the scene showed the Chevron gas station cordoned off with police tape, and multiple evidence markers scattered on the ground, indicating a thorough examination by investigators. The Surrey Police Service has withheld further details to avoid interfering with the ongoing IIO investigation. "SPS has informed the IIO of the incident and they have asserted jurisdiction," the police release noted, emphasizing their cooperation with the process.
Witnesses to the collision are urged to come forward with any information they may have. The IIO has specifically requested that anyone with relevant details contact them directly, as their input could be crucial to understanding what transpired in those early morning hours.
This tragic event unfolded against the backdrop of holiday celebrations in the Lower Mainland, where many families were just beginning their Christmas Day activities. The timing, just after dawn on December 25, adds a layer of somber irony to the incident, as communities in Surrey and beyond gathered for festive traditions. Surrey, a rapidly growing city in the Fraser Valley with a population exceeding 600,000, has seen its share of traffic-related incidents, but police-involved fatalities remain relatively rare and draw significant scrutiny.
The Surrey Police Service, which transitioned from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 2021 as part of a provincial push to create a municipal force, has been navigating operational challenges since its inception. The new service, with around 800 officers, aims to enhance local policing but has faced criticism over response times and resource allocation in high-density areas like the one near 132nd Street. This incident marks one of the first major IIO investigations involving the SPS since its full deployment.
According to the IIO's mandate under British Columbia's Police Act, all such deaths must be independently reviewed to ensure accountability and transparency. The office, established in 2012, operates separately from police forces to investigate complaints and serious incidents without bias. In similar past cases, such as a 2022 pedestrian collision in Vancouver involving an RCMP vehicle, the IIO has issued findings that ranged from officer exoneration to recommendations for policy changes.
While details about the woman's identity have not been released—standard protocol pending notification of next of kin—local reports suggest she may have been a pedestrian crossing the intersection. The exact circumstances of how the collision occurred remain under investigation, with no immediate indications of speed, weather, or other factors released by authorities. Early morning fog or reduced visibility could have played a role, though officials have not speculated publicly.
Surrey's 108th Avenue corridor, a busy arterial road connecting residential neighborhoods to commercial hubs, has been the site of several accidents in recent years. Transportation data from the City of Surrey indicates that the intersection at 132nd Street handles thousands of vehicles daily, with pedestrian crossings often cited as a safety concern. Community advocates have long called for improved lighting and signals in the area, especially during winter months when daylight is limited.
The Surrey Police Service expressed condolences in their statement, acknowledging the impact on the community. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the woman involved," the release read, though it stopped short of elaborating on the officers' status. Typically, in IIO cases, involved officers are placed on administrative duties pending the outcome, but the SPS confirmed they are fully cooperating without providing specifics.
As the investigation progresses, residents in Surrey are left grappling with questions about road safety and police operations during routine patrols. The IIO's process can take several months, involving witness interviews, forensic analysis, and expert consultations. In a previous IIO probe into a 2023 officer-involved shooting in the same region, the final report spanned over 100 pages and led to training enhancements for de-escalation tactics.
Beyond the immediate facts, this incident highlights ongoing discussions in British Columbia about police oversight and urban mobility. With the province's population booming—Surrey alone projected to surpass one million residents by 2040—pressures on emergency services are intensifying. Advocacy groups like the BC Civil Liberties Association have praised the IIO's role but called for broader reforms, including body camera mandates, which the SPS has partially implemented.
Nebraska's own Appleton, with its ties to Canadian communities through trade and family connections, watches these stories with interest, as cross-border incidents often resonate. For now, the focus remains on Surrey, where the holiday season has been marred by loss. As investigators piece together the events of that Christmas morning, the community awaits answers that could inform future safeguards.
The IIO's call for witnesses underscores the collaborative nature of such probes. Anyone with dashcam footage, cell phone videos, or firsthand accounts is encouraged to reach out confidentially. In the meantime, Surrey Police have increased patrols in the area to reassure residents, though no broader safety alerts have been issued.
This case, like others before it, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between law enforcement duties and public safety. The outcome of the IIO investigation could influence training protocols for the Surrey Police Service and spark conversations about pedestrian protections in growing cities. Until the full report is released, the details will remain closely guarded, leaving a void filled only by speculation and sorrow.