A man who fled from Vancouver police last Friday night died after his three‑wheeled vehicle collided head‑on with an SUV in downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver Police Department confirmed Saturday.
Police said officers near Canada Place attempted to speak to a man in a vehicle, after which the vehicle left the scene. Less than a block away a Polaris Slingshot was involved in a head‑on collision with a white Honda SUV that left the tri‑wheeled vehicle on its side. One person was taken to hospital with critical injuries and later pronounced dead.
Independent probe under way
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has taken over the investigation. The IIO released a short statement saying the nature of and the initial reason for the interaction between the man and police are part of the IIO probe, and that it would not be releasing further information "at this early juncture."
"The nature of and initial reason for the interaction between the man and police is part of the IIO investigation, but we are not releasing further information at this early juncture."
The Vancouver Police Department declined to comment further while the IIO examines the circumstances of the collision.
Vehicle, owner and operation
The three‑wheeled vehicle involved was identified as a Polaris Slingshot, a recreational open‑top vehicle often described as a cross between a motorcycle and a sports car. The Slingshot involved bore branding for Vancity Slingshot, a Richmond‑based company that operates a fleet of rental Slingshots.
Lance Thomas‑James, who owns Vancity Slingshot and founded the company, confirmed the damaged vehicle was one of their Slingshots but said it was not rented through his firm at the time of the crash.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0‑litre |
| Power | 180 hp |
| Wheel layout | Two front, one rear (open top) |
Police and witnesses described the Slingshot as an open‑top, three‑wheel vehicle, which the manufacturer and enthusiasts often call a hybrid between a motorcycle and a sports car.
What is known and what remains unclear
At this stage investigators have not released the deceased's name or additional details about why officers initially attempted to speak with the man. The IIO typically investigates incidents involving police where there is serious injury or death to determine whether the actions of police played a role. The office’s early statement made clear it is treating the interaction between police and the man as a subject of its probe.
- Location: downtown Vancouver, near Canada Place
- Vehicle: Polaris Slingshot (three‑wheeled, open‑top)
- Status: one person pronounced dead at hospital; IIO investigation ongoing
The collision and subsequent IIO investigation raise immediate questions for Vancouver residents about road safety in the tourist corridor near Canada Place, the use and operation of recreational three‑wheel vehicles in the city, and how police interactions can escalate into fatal outcomes. The IIO’s eventual findings will determine whether further agency statements or criminal charges follow.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor the IIO investigation and will update this report as officials release more information.
