IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in Pemberton (2020-276)
Case: 2020-276 Incident Date: November 9, 2020 Location: Pemberton Agency: RCMP Detachment: Whistler 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 Pemberton.
On November 9, 2020 at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Whistler RCMP detachment received a report expressing concern for the well-being of a man, the affected person in this case. Officers attempted to locate the man but were unsuccessful.
The same day at about 3:25 p.m., Pemberton RCMP received several calls from concerned motorists regarding a man who appeared to be in distress and injured. Officers located him at the salt shed on Duffy Lake Road, and he was taken into custody. Emergency Health Services attended to provide treatment and transport him to hospital.
It is confirmed that the man located in Pemberton was the same subject of the initial call in Whistler. In an interview with IIO investigators, the man confirmed that police did not cause any of the injuries he sustained and at no time did police use force against him while taking him into custody.
The IIO’s Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including medical information and statements from the affected person and another independent witness – and determined that the injuries sustained by the man are not the result of the actions or inaction of any officer. 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.