IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in Lumby (2020-322)

Case: 2020-322 Incident Date: December 29, 2020 Location: Lumby Detachment: Lumby Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Death 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 Lumby.

On December 29, 2020 just before 1:00 a.m., officers responded to a missing person report. Police attended the residence and searched on foot until approximately 3:30 a.m. A police dog was sent, but officers were unable to locate a starting point to begin tracking. In consultation with a family member, officers left the immediate area in hopes the individual would return once the police presence was gone as the inclement weather raised concerns about the missing person being outdoors on foot. Officers continued the search in the broader area.

At about 4:00 a.m., the missing person was located by a family member and Emergency Health Services attended to provide treatment. The individual was subsequently pronounced dead.

The Chief Civilian Director (CCD) has reviewed the evidence, including a statement from the family member and police records. The CCD has determined that police actions during the search were reasonable and therefore the matter will not be referred to Crown Counsel for consideration of 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.

If you are in crisis, help is available:

 

info@iiobc.ca

 

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