IIO Concludes Investigation Into 2022 Arrest in Kelowna (2024-200)
Case: 2024-200 Incident Date: August 14, 2022 Location: Kelowna Detachment: Kelowna Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportSurrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has now closed investigation 2024-200 related to injuries sustained by one man during an arrest in Kelowna in August 2022.
The IIO was notified of the incident in August 2024, two years after it occurred. At that time, the man made the RCMP aware that he believed his injuries during the 2022 arrest may meet the definition of serious harm as defined in Part 11 of the Police Act.
On August 14, 2022, officers with the Kelowna RCMP initially responded to a call about the driver of a red Ford F150 pickup truck slurring his words and blocking traffic in an alley.
The Ford drove away as officers approached and before they could speak to the man driving.
Shortly before 10 p.m. that same evening, police again located the same Ford during regular patrols near a fruit stand in the 3000 block of Benvoulin Road. They attempted to arrest the driver who tried to drive away again, injuring one police officer.
The driver, who is paralyzed, was eventually taken into custody, with what police at the time believed to be minor injuries suffered during the arrest.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including medical records, witness statements and police information – and determined the man’s injuries do not meet the threshold of serious harm as defined under Part 11 of the Police Act.
The IIO investigation is now 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.