Two Maple Ridge drivers charged with impaired driving following fatal, serious crashes
Charges have been approved against two Maple Ridge residents following separate impaired driving investigations, including a motorcycle crash that claimed a person’s life and another collision that left two people seriously injured.
Maple Ridge RCMP announced Nov. 9 that the BC Prosecution Service had approved criminal charges following lengthy investigations by the detachment’s Serious Crime Unit.
The first case stems from a collision at the intersection of Lougheed Highway and 224 Street on Dec. 13, 2025, at approximately 1 a.m.
Police previously reported that a white Mercedes-Benz sedan was travelling southbound on 224 Street when it made a left turn and struck a northbound motorcycle.
The motorcyclist was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries and was initially reported to be in critical condition. Police have since confirmed the crash was fatal.
On Nov. 9, Cassidy Neufeld, 20, of Maple Ridge, was charged with impaired operation causing death and dangerous operation causing death.
Neufeld is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 21.
The second case involves a two-vehicle collision near Laity Street and 123 Street on Oct. 7, 2025, at approximately 7:15 a.m.
Both drivers were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
On Oct. 5, 2026, Ryan Murillo, 34, of Maple Ridge, was charged with impaired operation causing bodily harm and dangerous operation causing bodily harm.
Murillo’s next court appearance was scheduled for Nov. 9.
According to police, the victim continues to suffer from injuries sustained in the crash.
“While these incidents may fade from public memory, our serious crime collision investigators work diligently to ensure accountability and provide a measure of justice for victims and families,” said Maple Ridge RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Kelly. “Impaired driving investigations are complex and require significant time to process the volume of evidence needed for charge approval.”
Kelly said the two cases illustrate the potentially devastating consequences of impaired driving.
“These updates unfortunately highlight the tragic reality of choosing to drive under the influence. It can end or severely alter lives – including your own – and result in serious criminal consequences.”
The charges come nearly a year after the two collisions, with investigators spending months gathering and reviewing evidence before submitting their findings to Crown prosecutors.
Following the December 2025 motorcycle crash, the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service was called in to assist investigators, who were examining several possible contributing factors, including driver impairment.
At the time, police also reported removing five impaired drivers from local roads during a single night of enforcement.
With the holiday season approaching, Maple Ridge RCMP is warning motorists to expect increased impaired driving enforcement throughout the community.
The detachment’s Road Safety Target Team and other specialized units will join frontline officers in conducting additional road checks in the coming weeks.
Police are urging residents to arrange designated drivers, use taxis or other transportation options, and plan ahead if they intend to consume alcohol or drugs.
Neither Neufeld nor Murillo has been convicted of the charges, which have yet to be proven in court.
