Charges stayed against semi driver in Surrey, B.C., crash that killed Mountie

SURREY, B.C. – Charges have been stayed against a transport truck driver who was involved in a crash that killed a Mountie in Surrey, B.C.

Const. Adrian Oliver died in November 2012 when his police cruiser slammed into the truck driven by Harjit Lotay.

Lotay’s lawyer, Brij Mohan, says the Crown has now stayed all charges but his client is still facing a federal lawsuit seeking special damages and expenses.

A news release issued by Mohan says Lotay has struggled since the accident and has not been able to work since.

RCMP said after the accident that the 28-year-old officer was attempting to locate a stolen pickup just before the early-morning crash and did not have his emergency lights on.

Allegations in a civil suit filed by Canada’s attorney general include that Lotay failed to yield the right of way to the police vehicle and was driving while in some way impaired, but no claims have been proven in court.