Off-duty BC Mountie who ran over, killed 5-year-old could face charges

An off-duty Penticton RCMP officer could be charged after fatally striking a 5-year-old boy with his vehicle last September.

READ MORE: IIO investigates fatal police-involved collision in Penticton

James Christian McIntosh was crossing the road with his family near Highway 97 and Green Mountain Road at roughly 5 p.m. September 15 when the incident happened.

READ MORE: Family of Penticton boy killed overwhelmed with support

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) was called in to investigate. The IIO’s Chief Civilian Director has now finished the investigation and has forwarded it to Crown Counsel for charges to be considered.

“The Chief Civilian Director does not make a recommendation on whether charges should be approved,” according to an IIO news release. “Under the Crown Counsel Act, the Criminal Justice Branch has jurisdiction over the charge assessment and charge approval process.”

Tributes poured in after the tragic crash, with hundreds of people joining in a community celebration to honour the young boy.

His mother, Elizabeth McIntosh said James loved the outdoors, so the celebration of life was held at LocoLanding Adventure Park, one of James’ favourite places to play.