B.C.’s independent police watchdog is investigating whether Victoria police had any role in a car crash that killed a man Saturday morning.

The single-vehicle crash at Blanshard Street and Cloverdale Avenue came just after Victoria police tried to stop the speeding car.

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Victoria police told the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. that an officer saw a car speeding along Quadra Street near Hillside Avenue about 2:30 a.m.

The officer tried to get the driver to pull over, but the driver fled west on Hillside and turned north on Blanshard. The officer did not continue to try to stop the car, police told investigators.

About 30 seconds later, and about 1.5 kilometres away, the officer came upon the car at Blanshard and Cloverdale.

The silver Acura had struck a light post, coming to a stop in the parking lot of a plumbing and bath business. The post was crumpled at the base and appeared to have been dragged into the lot, which was covered with broken glass and tire tracks.

The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, died at the scene. No information about the driver has been released.

The police watchdog was called about 3 a.m. to determine whether an officer might have been involved in the incident, said spokesman Owen Court.

“With a death and the fact that the vehicle was spotted by police earlier, we will investigate to see if any offence occurred,” he said.

The intersection was closed for about 12 hours as police, the police watchdog and the B.C. Coroners Service investigated. B.C. Hydro was also on the scene.

John Zadorozny, an awning restorer, was on his way to work at 8 a.m. when he noticed the crash.

“The driver’s side [of the vehicle] was totally crushed,” he said.

Once the Independent Investigations Office completes its investigation, the findings will be forwarded to the chief civilian director.

If the report determines an offence occurred, it will be forwarded to Crown counsel to pursue charges. If not, it will become public record.

This is the watchdog’s first investigation in Victoria since being formed last year.

spetrescu@timescolonist.com

— With a file from Nick Wells