IIO Concludes Investigation into a Death in Saanich (2021-318)

Case: 2021-318 Incident Date: November 20, 2021 Agency: RCMP Location: Saanich Detachment: West Shore Incident Classification: Death 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 investigation 2021-318 into the circumstances surrounding a man’s death in Saanich.

At about 3:00 p.m. on November 20, 2021, police arrested a man without incident who was later released from custody at approximately 7:00 p.m. the same day.

At about 7:20 p.m., the man was reported to have breached his conditions, and an officer from the West Shore RCMP detachment spoke to the man.

Two hours later, shortly before 9:00 p.m., the man’s vehicle went off the road at the intersection of Mills Road and West Saanich Road in North Saanich. The man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including civilian witness statements, medical information, and police records – and determined that neither police action nor inaction played a role in the man’s tragic death. There were concerns regarding the man’s mental wellness, but available information reflects that grounds did not exist to apprehend the man under the Mental Health Act.

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.

info@iiobc.ca

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