IIO Concludes Investigation Into a Death in Port Alberni (2023-357)
Case: 2023-357 Incident Date: December 15, 2023 Detachment: Port Alberni Location: Port Alberni 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 now completed its investigation into the death of one man in Port Alberni (IIO 2023-357).
At about 6:45 p.m. on December 13, 2023, members of the RCMP responded to a report by someone concerned for the well-being of an elderly man driving a green Pontiac Sunfire.
An officer reportedly located and spoke to the man around 8:40 p.m.
On December 15, 2023, the man was located deceased in his vehicle, which was submerged in water in Sproat Lake near the 10700-block of Lakeshore Road.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including photographs, witness statements and police reports – and determined that there are no reasonable grounds to believe any officer may have committed an offence, and police actions were not responsible for the tragic death.
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.