AbbyPD welcomes conviction of man who caused bodily harm to an Abbotsford police officer
ABBOTSFORD — The Abbotsford Police Department has acknowledged the conviction of a 34-year-old man who was found guilty last week of four charges stemming from a hit and run in 2019 that left two police officers, including AbbyPD Constable Courtney, with injuries.
According to a news release from the Burnaby RCMP Tuesday, 32-year-old Jason Kirupakaran has been convicted in a horrific incident in which he senselessly injured two officers who were on duty.
On March 4, 2019, just before noon, police say an RCMP officer and an Abbotsford PD officer on duty with the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service were seriously injured in a hit and run that occurred in the 5000-block of North Fraser Way in South Burnaby.
Constable Courtney was later released from hospital with minor injuries while the RCMP member remained in hospital with serious injuries and was in stable condition.
The suspect vehicle had been located by police and was held for investigation. The vehicle was reported stolen to New Westminster Police Department. Burnaby RCMP’s Criminal Collision Investigation Team assumed primary conduct of the investigation.
On May 26, 2022, charges were approved against Jason Kirupakaran:
Kirupakaran was convicted of the following charges:
- 2X Criminal negligence causing bodily harm
- 2X Fail to stop after an accident causing bodily harm
“This hit and run has had a significant impact on the two officers who were seriously injured while on the job,” said Corporal Alexa Hodgins with the Burnaby RCMP. “The investigation has spanned more than three years, with our Criminal Collision Investigation Team working tirelessly to conduct a thorough investigation that has now resulted in charges.”
The Abbotsford PD said it was pleased with the judicial outcome.
“The Abbotsford Police Department wishes to acknowledge the conviction of Mr. Kirupakaran who was found guilty last Thursday of two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and two counts of failing to stop at an accident causing bodily harm resulting from an incident in Burnaby in 2019,” AbbyPD Chief Constable Colin Watson said. “Although we await the sentencing of Mr. Kirupakaran, we are pleased that the hard work of our partners at the Burnaby RCMP resulted in this prosecution and conviction.”
Police officers put their lives on the line daily, Chief Constable Watson said, and it’s inexcusable what one of their AbbyPD personnel had to endure.
“Police officers like Cst. Courtney report for duty every day to protect our communities. It is unacceptable for our officer to face the prospect of injury or death while performing their duties,” Chief Constable Watson said. “Sadly, this occurs far too often. Officers like Cst. Courtney and their families are the ones that are forced to live with the consequences. We look forward to the upcoming sentencing and thank Cst. Courtney and all our officers for their unwavering dedication to serving our community.”