IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in North Vancouver (2021-023)

Case: 2021-023 Incident Date: February 1, 2021 Detachment: North Vancouver Location: North Vancouver 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 North Vancouver.

As described in the previous release, on February 1, 2021 at approximately 3:20 a.m., an officer located an uninsured pickup truck parked in the 4900-block of Skyline Drive. The registered owner, later confirmed to be the male who was in the truck, was arrestable for an outstanding warrant. When the man would not exit the vehicle, the Emergency Response Team were called to assist.

Over the course of two and a half hours, several tactics were used to attempt to persuade the man to exit, including use of a loud hailer, attempted calls to the man’s cell phone, and deployment of tear gas into the truck. Just before 6:00 a.m., officers heard a single gunshot from inside the vehicle, and the man was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. Medical evidence determined conclusively that the gunshot was self-inflicted.

The Chief Civilian Director (CCD) has reviewed the available evidence and determined that the actions of police were consistent with their duty to arrest the man and reasonable in the circumstances.

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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