First Quarter Summary 2015
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office of BC is providing updates to a number of cases under investigation.
Since the IIO became operational in September 2012, the Chief Civilian Director has sustained jurisdiction in 121 cases of officer involved incidents of death or serious injury.
Of these, 93 cases have been concluded. Fifty – eight (58) resulted in the issuing of a public report and 35 resulted in Reports to Crown Counsel. Twenty-eight (28) cases remain under investigation.
Recent Public Reports posted
- IIO 14-132 (Surrey RCMP)
- IIO 14- 000013 (Surrey RCMP)
- IIO 14- 000108 (Kamloops RCMP)
- IIO 14-073 (Nelson Police)
Recent Reports to Crown Counsel (waiting for the charge assessment)
- IIO 14-131 (Nanaimo RCMP)
- IIO 14-123 (Chilliwack RCMP)
- IIO 14-150 (Hope RCMP)
Recent Clear Statement from Crown
- IIO 14-029 (Maple Ridge RCMP)
Active Investigations
The IIO has been heavily deployed over the past months. This includes directors and investigators from the operational teams, forensic and traffic collision specialists, the manager for services to affected persons and support staff.
The below updates are provided on cases that have received significant public attention as well as new cases where jurisdiction has been sustained. Where updates are available, information has been provided. Where investigations are in the early stages, updates will not be provided in this quarter.
Additional information on Public Reports, Reports to Crown Counsel, Crown Decisions and case status reports may be found at the IIOBC website.
IIO 14-067 Vancouver Police Department (April 14, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms it has deployed investigators to an incident involving the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).
According to preliminary information reported by the VPD, at 10:30 a.m. this morning, officers attended a residence near Kingsway and Joyce Street in Vancouver. The 9-1-1 call concerned a report of a small child in distress and what appeared to be blood seen in the area.
When police arrived at the scene, they were confronted by a male who, according to police, did not respond to their commands to drop a weapon. The male was shot by officers. He was subsequently transported to hospital.
At the scene, officers located a female who had sustained fatal injuries. A child also sustained injuries and was transported to hospital.
VPD Homicide will maintain jurisdiction over the parallel investigation.
Update March 20, 2015 – Investigators have completed the majority of tasks and are now waiting for the autopsy results.
IIO 14-099 Burnaby RCMP (June 4, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin – The IIO confirms it has deployed investigators to an incident that occurred this afternoon in Burnaby, B.C.
Shortly before 3:30 p.m., RCMP were responding to a complaint of a male who had reportedly accessed an apartment building through a plate glass door near Walker Avenue in Burnaby. According to the police, at the scene, officers were confronted by the male who was aggressive and non-compliant with their commands. A Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) was deployed without effect. A physical struggle ensued and while the male was being taken into custody, he became unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Update March 20, 2015 – Investigators have completed the majority of tasks and are now waiting for the autopsy results.
IIO 14-104 Vancouver Police Department (June 10, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that its investigators have been deployed to an incident in Vancouver on June 10, 2014.
According to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), shortly after 11:00 a.m. officers responded to a report of a shooting in the Yaletown area. An adult male reportedly fled the area and was located by police officers near Science World, at which time an exchange of gunfire took place. The male affected person sustained gunshot injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment. A VPD officer also sustained injuries in the incident.
Update March 20, 2015 – The file has been forwarded to the Chief Civilian Director for his decision.
IIO 14-163 Valemount RCMP ERT (September 17, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that its investigators have been deployed to a remote area near Valemount on September 17, 2014.
According to the RCMP, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Emergency Response Team officers were involved in an incident in which two adults sustained gunshot injuries. One male affected person died at the scene and one female affected person is currently receiving medical care.
The IIO was notified immediately. Five investigators, including a forensics specialist, have been deployed. IIO investigators are expected to arrive at the remote scene the morning of Thursday, September 18.
Update March 20, 2015 – The majority of investigative tasks have been completed. Investigators are now waiting for forensic analysis (including firearm).
IIO 14-176 Terrace RCMP (October 8, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that it has asserted jurisdiction over an incident in Terrace.
On October 8, 2014, the Terrace RCMP contacted the IIO to report an incident that occurred in May 2014. According to the RCMP, on October 8 they received a video that allegedly related to an incident where a male youth sustained injuries while being taken into custody. Upon viewing the video, the RCMP immediately reported the incident to the IIO.
The IIO has asserted jurisdiction over the incident and will conduct an investigation. The RCMP maintains jurisdiction over any concurrent investigation related to the affected person.
Update March 20, 2015 – The majority of investigative tasks have been completed. The Primary Investigator is in the process of finalizing the investigative report.
IIO 14-182 Slocan RCMP ERT (October 13, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that investigators have been deployed to an area near Slocan.
According to the RCMP, at approximately 1:20 p.m. this afternoon, two Emergency Response Team officers located the adult male who had been the subject of an extended search. There was contact made between the officers and the affected person. The affected person sustained serious injuries and died at the scene. No officers were injured.
The IIO has deployed a team director and several investigators to the area; they are expected to be on scene at daylight tomorrow. The RCMP will ensure scene security until the scene can be turned over to IIO investigators.
An IIO team arrived in the area and confirmed that the affected person sustained a gunshot injury during an interaction with two members of the Emergency Response Team. In addition, a firearm was found at the scene. The IIO investigation is still in its early stages and investigators are expected to be in the area this week. IIO resources include a team director, three investigators and a forensic specialist. In addition to this, the IIO will provide dedicated services to assist the family of the deceased affected person.
Update March 20, 2015 – Investigators have completed the majority of the investigative tasks and are now waiting for the results of forensic testing (including firearm).
IIO 14-198 Victoria Police Department (November 1, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that investigators have been deployed to Victoria.
According to the Victoria Police Department, at approximately 11:00 a.m. today, officers attended a residence in James Bay in response to a 9-1-1 call. They were confronted by one adult male, who was shot by police and died as a result of his injuries. The Victoria PD reported the incident to the IIO immediately.
The IIO has deployed several investigators to the scene, including a forensics specialist. The Victoria PD will ensure scene security until the scene can be turned over to IIO investigators.
Update March 20, 2015 – The majority of investigative tasks have been completed. Investigators are now waiting for forensic analysis (firearm) and autopsy results.
IIO 14-208 Vancouver Police Department (November 22, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office of BC confirms it has deployed investigative staff to an officer involved shooting in Vancouver.
According to the Vancouver Police Department, at approximately 5:00 p.m. this afternoon, they responded to a complaint near East 41st and Knight Street in Vancouver. They encountered a male who appeared to be in distress. The male allegedly did not follow directions from police. Preliminary information is that he was shot and sustained serious injuries. He is in hospital receiving medical treatment.
VPD has secured the scene pending the arrival of the IIO. Investigators will be conducting standard investigative tasks including identifying and interviewing any witnesses and collecting any physical evidence from the scene.
Later that evening, IIO investigators learned that the male did not survive his injuries.
Update March 20, 2015 – The majority of investigative tasks have been completed. Investigators are now waiting for forensic analysis (firearm) and the autopsy results.
IIO 14-214 Prince George RCMP (December 8, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin – The IIO confirms it has deployed investigative staff to Prince George in response to a serious incident that occurred on December 8, 2014.
According to police, at about 11:00 p.m., officers were dealing with several pedestrians in the area of 3rd Avenue and Dominion Street.
One of the pedestrians had several outstanding warrants for his arrest. While officers were taking the male affected person into custody, he sustained what appeared to be self-inflicted injuries to his neck. An officer was also stabbed. Both were transported to hospital for medical care. A knife was seized as evidence.
Update March 20, 2015 – This remains an active investigation. Investigators are expected to return to Prince George to complete the last investigative tasks.
IIO 14-218 Vancouver Police Department (December 15, 2014)
Initial Release – The IIO confirms it has deployed investigators in response to a critical incident that occurred on December 15, 2014.
According to police, at 8:20 am, officers from the VPD responded to a complaint and came into contact with the adult female affected person. She was taken into custody and was transported to police cells in a police wagon. Once at the city jail, officers found her to be in medical distress.
First aid and CPR were initiated and EHS contacted. The affected person was taken by ambulance to hospital where she remained until her death on December 23, 2014.
Update March 20, 2015 –This remains an active investigation with the majority of the tasks completed.
IIO 14-221 Vancouver Police Department (December 22, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office confirms it has deployed investigators in response to a serious injury sustained by an adult male on December 22, 2014.
According to the VPD, an officer responded to a complaint of a suspicious male in the area of 4600 Blenheim Street. There, he came into contact with the male affected person who reportedly fled from the officer. The male was subsequently taken into custody with the assistance of a police service dog. He was transported to hospital for treatment.
Update March 20, 2015 –This is an on-going investigation.
IIO 14-222 Abbotsford Police Department (December 26, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin- The Independent Investigations Office of BC confirms it has sent investigators to Abbotsford after being notified of an incident involving an off duty officer.
According to the Abbotsford Police Department (APD), at approximately 6:15 p.m. this evening, a 14 year old male youth was struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Mill Lake Road and West Bourquin.
The youth sustained serious injuries and has been transferred to hospital. The driver, who remained at the scene, has been identified as an off duty police officer from the APD. As such, the incident was reported to the IIO.
Update March 20, 2015- The Primary Investigator is in the final stages of reviewing the information obtained prior to completing the report to the Chief Civilian Director.
IIO 14-224 Transit Police Surrey (December 28, 2014)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office of BC confirms it is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred at 8: 07 a.m. this morning in Surrey.
According to police, a male was at or near the Safeway Store at 104th and King George. He reportedly came into contact with officers from the Transit Police and was subsequently shot. He was transported to hospital for treatment, however did not survive his injuries.
RCMP in Surrey has secured the physical scene pending the arrival of IIO investigators. Immediate activities will include identifying any witnesses, obtaining video surveillance and completing the next of kin notifications.
Update March 20, 2015 – The majority of investigative tasks have been completed. Investigators are now waiting for forensic analysis (firearm).
IIO 15-017 Castlegar RCMP (January 29, 2015)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office confirms it has deployed investigators in response to a serious injury sustained by an adult male on January 29 2015.
After experiencing weather delays, a team of investigators reached Castlegar on Friday afternoon, January 31, 2015 and physically took jurisdiction over the officer involved shooting that took place the previous evening. According to the RCMP, officers were responding to a driving complaint on Highway 3 in the city limits of Castlegar. During an attempted traffic stop a male was subsequently shot by an officer. The affected person was transported to hospital for treatment however did not survive his injuries.
Over the weekend, the IIO team reviewed the evidence that had been obtained from the scene and interviewed witnesses to the incident. One officer has been designated as a Subject Officer; one has been designated as a Witness Officer. The Manager for Services to Affected Person has been in contact with the family and will provide support during the IIO investigation.
The Primary Investigator and IIO Forensic Specialist will remain in the area. Over the next few days, it is expected that additional forensic testing and analysis will take place – these investigative tasks are standard in this type of a critical incident.
Update March 20, 2015 – This remains an active investigation.
IIO 15-022 Chilliwack RCMP (February 11, 2015)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office confirms it has sustained jurisdiction in this critical incident.
On February 11, 2015, officers responded to a complaint at a residence. There, they located an adult male, the affected person. The affected person appeared to be acting in a manner that posed an immediate threat. As such, an officer deployed a CEW and the affected person was taken into custody. He became unresponsive and did not survive.
IIO investigators conducted a neighbourhood canvass, interviewed civilian witnesses and designated both subject and witness officers.
Update March 20, 2015 – This remains an active investigation.
IIO 15-028 Smithers RCMP (February 14, 2015)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office of BC confirms that the critical incident under investigation in Smithers is now a death.
On February 14, 2015, at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers responded to a complaint involving an adult male at a residence. According to police, officers located the affected person; he appeared distraught, in emotional distress and did not comply with officers’ commands. Officers used OC spray to assist in the arrest. The affected person reported he was having difficulty breathing. EHS were called and after assessing the affected person, cleared him for transport to police cells. While being booked into cells, the affected person reportedly became uncooperative and a physical struggle took place. The affected person lost consciousness. He was transported to hospital where he remained until his death on February 21, 2015.
Update March 20, 2015 – This remains an active investigation.
IIO 15-031 Sidney RCMP (February 17, 2015)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office confirms it has sustained jurisdiction in this case.
According to police, officers attended at a residence in response to a complaint. Officers were not able to locate the subject of the complaint (the affected person).
Officers were dispatched a second time and were able to locate the affected person, a youth, who was not to be at the residence. The affected person fled the residence and reportedly jumped over a nearby fence. He was subsequently taken into custody. The affected person complained about soreness to his leg. It was determined he had sustained a serious injury.
Update March 20, 2015 – This remains an active investigation.
IIO 15-042 Burnaby RCMP (March 1, 2015)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office of BC confirms it has sent investigators to Burnaby after being notified of an incident involving the RCMP.
On March 1, 2015, shortly before 3 a.m., officers driving on patrol observed what appeared to be a robbery in progress at the 7-11 near Canada Way and Edmonds.
According to police, officers engaged two males and attempted to effect an arrest. During this interaction, shots were fired and the two males subsequently fled the area in a vehicle. That vehicle was located after it crashed near Canada Way and Rosewood Avenue.
One of the males, the affected person, was taken into custody. He is believed to have sustained a gunshot injury and is in hospital receiving medical treatment. The other individual was subsequently taken into custody without incident.
The IIO was notified at 3:18 a.m. and has sent a team of investigators to the scene at the 7-11 and at the site of the collision. IIO investigators will be conducting standard investigative activities including locating and interviewing any civilian witnesses and securing video from the area. Traffic may be impacted by the road closure throughout the morning.
The RCMP remains responsible for the concurrent investigation into the actions of the affected person and any other persons involved prior to the incident.
Update March 20, 2015 – This remains an active investigation.
IIO 15-047 Westshore RCMP (March 6, 2015)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office confirms it has sustained jurisdiction in this critical incident.
According to police, they located an adult male (the affected person) who was reportedly the subject of unendorsed warrants. As officers were in the process of arresting the affected person, a physical altercation took place. An officer deployed a CEW and subsequently, the affected person was taken into custody without further incident. After his arrest, the affected person reported having a sore wrist. It was determined he had sustained a fracture.
Update March 20, 2015 – This remains an active investigation.
IIO 15-050 Burnaby RCMP (March 20, 2015)
Initial Information Bulletin – The Independent Investigations Office of BC confirms it has sent investigators to Burnaby after being notified of an incident involving the RCMP.
On March 20, 2015, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers responded to a complaint of a man with a gun near 9300 block of Salish Court. According to the information police received, the male was in distress, threatening himself and then the officers. Officers shot and the male sustained a gunshot injury. He was taken to hospital for medical treatment. No officers were injured.
IIO investigators are being deployed to the scene. Immediate tasks will include working with the RCMP who have secured the scene; identifying any witnesses; seizing any physical evidence and determining what officers were involved.
Update – March 24, 2015 – Investigators have conducted a neighbourhood canvass and have put out an appeal for witnesses. The involved officers have been identified and interviews will be scheduled.