IIO Concludes Investigation into a July 2023 Incident in Campbell River (2023-221)
Case: 2023-221 Incident Date: July 31, 2023 Location: Campbell River Detachment: Campbell River 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 2023-221 into a Campbell River incident where one woman died.
At about 5:30 a.m. on July 31, 2023, police received a call regarding a grey Subaru Outback that was reportedly being driven erratically northbound on the Island Highway near Perkins Road.
Just before 6:00 a.m., police received a report that a vehicle had left the road in a forested area. When police arrived, a vehicle and its female driver were located down an embankment. The vehicle was determined to be the same grey Subaru from the earlier call.
The driver was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.
On behalf of the Chief Civilian Director, the IIO’s General Counsel has reviewed the evidence – including witness statements, vehicle data, and police information – and determined there are no reasonable grounds to believe that any officer committed an offence. Based on the available evidence, police actions could not have prevented this 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.