IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in Coquitlam (2021-096)

Case: 2021-096 Incident Date: April 16, 2021 Location: Coquitlam Detachment: Coquitlam Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public Report

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

Surrey, B.C. – The Chief Civilian Director (CCD) of the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded an investigation into an incident in Coquitlam.

As described in the IIO’s previous release, on April 16, 2021 at approximately 10:45 a.m., police responded to a call for a wellness check involving a man in the 1100-block of Howie Avenue. When police entered, the man inflicted a serious, life-threatening injury upon himself. Medical aid was provided immediately, and Emergency Health Services transported the man to a local hospital for treatment.

An IIO investigation was undertaken as police were in attendance when the man harmed himself. All evidence, including a statement from the civilian witness who was present for the entire incident, indicates that there was no opportunity for anyone to act before the man harmed himself.

The CCD has reviewed the evidence and determined that there was no wrongdoing on the part of the officers involved. The officers’ actions were appropriate and commendable under the circumstances, and it is likely that the immediate medical aid from police and the civilian witness saved the man’s life.

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.

If you are in crisis, help is available:

info@iiobc.ca

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