IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in Maple Ridge (2020-271)
Case: 2020-271 Incident Date: October 30, 2020 Location: Maple Ridge Agency: RCMP Detachment: Ridge Meadows 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 concludes an investigation into an incident in Maple Ridge.
On October 30, 2020 at approximately 10:30 p.m., police received a report of a woman who was exhibiting concerning behaviour near the intersection of Lougheed Highway and 224 Street. An officer attended and found the woman, who appeared to be asleep, lying on the sidewalk next to a male friend. In his statement to IIO investigators, the man indicated that the officer stopped to talk to him and offered to call an ambulance which he declined as he stated he believed the woman just needed sleep. As the woman did not appear injured and was not alone, the officer departed without further action.
On October 31 at about 2:00 a.m., police were advised of a woman in hospital who was later identified as the same woman from the previous evening. By November 2, the woman had recovered enough that she left the hospital against medical advice.
The IIO’s Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including medical information and statements from the affected person and other independent witnesses – and determined that the woman’s condition did not meet the threshold for serious harm as defined by the Police Act. It should also be noted that in their statements to the IIO, neither the affected person nor the man with her made any allegations of wrongdoing against police. The investigation is therefore 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.