IIO Clarifies Allegation of November Shooting of Suspect in Kamloops Does Not Meet Mandate

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

Surrey – A media report from February 19 suggested that the IIO is investigating Kamloops RCMP in relation to shots fired by an RCMP officer at Michael Shawn Boyer outside the Tournament Inn in Kamloops on November 4, 2017. This information was incorrect.

Mr. Boyer entered a guilty plea yesterday in Provincial Court in Kamloops in relation to the matter. He received a two year sentence, less time served, on charges of carrying a weapon and using an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence. The facts of the incident were disclosed in an agreed statement of facts filed during the sentencing.

Those facts make it clear that Mr. Boyer did not suffer any serious injury in the interaction with police. As a result, the RCMP were not required to contact the IIO about the matter. An IIO spokesperson is quoted as stating that in less serious cases the IIO is nevertheless notified, which may have suggested there was an obligation on the RCMP to alert the IIO about this matter.

The IIO wishes to confirm that the RCMP had no obligation to report this matter as this was not a matter that involved serious injury or death, which defines the IIO’s mandate. The Chief Civilian Director of the IIO was in contact with the RCMP today to confirm this position.

If there are any further questions in relation to this matter please contact the Chief Civilian Director, Ronald J. MacDonald, QC, at info@IIOBC.ca