IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in Prince Rupert (2020-258)
Case: 2020-258 Incident Date: October 19, 2020 Detachment: Prince Rupert Location: Prince Rupert Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded an investigation into an incident in Prince Rupert.
On October 18, 2020 at approximately 10:30 p.m., a man was involved in a single vehicle collision at the intersection of Summit and Omineca avenues. According to statements provided by independent witnesses, the man was able to exit the truck without assistance, did not appear to be injured and waited next to his vehicle for Emergency Health Services (EHS) and police to attend.
When EHS arrived, they spoke to the man who refused medical services and had no overt injuries. The man was then transported by police to the Prince Rupert RCMP detachment before being released at approximately 12:30 a.m. on October 19th. By all accounts, the man was treated respectfully and appropriately, as corroborated by witnesses at the scene and video evidence at the detachment.
The man was found dead in his home on October 19th at approximately 9:20 a.m. The cause of death was not related to any injuries sustained during the collision.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including statements of independent witnesses and detachment video – and determined that the police played no role in the tragic death of the man. 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.
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