IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in Princeton (2021-061)
Case: 2021-061 Incident Date: March 13, 2021 Detachment: Princeton Location: Princeton Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION 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 Princeton.
As described in the IIO’s previous release, on March 13, 2021 at approximately 6:00 p.m., police attended a residence in the 2000-block of Princeton Summerland Road in response to a call for assistance. Upon arrival, police found a man and two women at the home, and the man had sustained a self-inflicted injury which subsequently resulted in his death.
An IIO investigation was undertaken as police had recently interacted with the man prior to his death as a result of concerns for his welfare. All evidence, including an audio recorded statement the man provided to police earlier the same day, was reviewed and confirms that at no point did the man exhibit any behaviour which would have caused police to believe he was a danger to himself.
The CCD has reviewed the available evidence and determined that there was no negligence on the part of the officers involved, and their actions were 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.
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