IIO Concludes Investigation into April 2026 Incident in Merritt (2026-078)
Case: 2026-078 Incident Date: April 2, 2026 Detachment: BC Highway Patrol Detachment: Merritt Location: Merritt Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Open - Investigation in ProgressINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has now completed its investigation into an incident that occurred on April 2, 2026 (IIO 2026-078).
Around 9:30 p.m., an RCMP officer located a vehicle parked on the side of Highway 97C near Iron Mountain Road south of Merritt. At the same time, police received a phone call expressing concern for a family member believed to be in that area.
The officer on scene reported that the man inside the vehicle was in possession of a firearm. Additional officers, including members of the Emergency Response Team were called in and contained the area.
Police then used a drone and discovered the man had sustained a self-inflicted injury while inside the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased on scene.
The IIO was notified shortly after the incident occurred and began an investigation.
The chief civilian director has now reviewed the evidence collected by IIO investigators – including officer statements, radio transmissions, as well as video footage – and has determined that there is no connection between police actions and the man’s death.
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.
info@iiobc.ca