IIO Concludes Investigation into a July 2016 Incident in Surrey (2020-290)
Case: 2020-290 Incident Date: July 25, 2016 Agency: RCMP Location: Surrey Detachment: Surrey Incident Classification: Serious Harm 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 2020-290 into an incident in Surrey that resulted in one man sustaining injuries.
Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on July 25, 2016, officers investigating allegations of impaired driving approached a semi-truck. The male driver was asleep in the sleeping portion of the truck. Officers woke the man and directed that he exit the truck. The man did not exit, and the officers advised the man he was under arrest. The man sustained injuries while being taken into custody.
Both officers deployed their conducted energy weapons (or ‘tasers’) during the arrest.
This matter was initially brought to the IIO’s attention in September 2017, at which point the available medical evidence did not support a finding that the man had sustained serious harm, as defined by the Police Act (IIO 2017-114).
The IIO reopened the investigation in November 2020 when new information was submitted regarding the seriousness of the man’s injuries.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including medical information, the decision of Supreme Court Justice Crossin regarding related civil proceedings, and statements of all parties – and determined that the new information confirms that the injuries do not meet the threshold of serious harm as defined by the Police Act. In addition, the evidence accepted by Justice Crossin found that the conducted energy weapons were used at a point when the male was poised to strike an officer with his fist. In all the circumstances, this matter does not meet the standard for a referral to Crown Counsel for consideration of criminal charges.
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.