IIO Concludes an Investigation into an Incident in Langley (2020-061)

Case: 2020-061 Incident Date: March 24, 2020 Location: Langley Detachment: Langley Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public Report

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded an investigation into an incident in Langley.

As detailed in our initial release, on March 24, 2020 at approximately 11:30 a.m., officers responded to a report of a man on the wrong side of the railing on the 196th Street overpass over Highway 10. When the man would not comply with officers’ requests, they took hold of him to try to pull him to safety. Unfortunately, despite their efforts the man fell from the overpass and sustained serious injuries.

The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence, including video and statements from bystanders, and determined that the harm suffered by the man was not the result of police actions. Officers acted commendably and placed themselves at risk of being pulled over the railing along with the man in their attempt to save him. However, the objective evidence shows the man removing officers’ hands from him while they attempted to bring him to safety. The officers therefore cannot be held responsible for the unfortunate outcome.

As a result, the investigation has been concluded.

Background

The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.

info@iiobc.ca

 

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