IIO Concludes Investigation into a Death in Dawson Creek (2022-116)
Case: 2022-116 Incident Date: May 23, 2022 Detachment: Dawson Creek Location: Dawson Creek Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded investigation 2022-116 into the circumstances surrounding a man’s death in Dawson Creek.
At about 4:35 a.m. on May 23, 2022, police received a call regarding a man climbing a construction crane near the 8th Street Bridge.
Independent witnesses confirm that the man was already beyond the reach of officers when they arrived, and police attempted to persuade the man to climb back down safely. A short time later, the man fell from the crane and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including civilian witness statements, fire services records, and police information – and determined that police action did not play a role in the man’s tragic death.
The IIO investigation is now concluded. The BC Coroners Service independent investigation into the man’s death continues.
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.
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