IIO Concludes Investigation into Death in Surrey (2023-184)
Case: 2023-184 Incident Date: July 7, 2023 Agency: RCMP Location: Surrey Detachment: Surrey 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 now completed its investigation into a death in Surrey (IIO 2023-184).
At about 7:30 p.m. on July 7, 2023, members of the Surrey RCMP responded to reports of a man rolling on the ground and running in and out of traffic in the 19400 block of Fraser Highway.
Shortly after police arrived and took the man into custody, the man went into medical distress. Medical assistance was provided by police, as well as Fire Services and BC Ambulance Services, but the man was pronounced deceased a short time later.
Conclusion of this investigation was delayed until autopsy and toxicology reports became available in July 2024, and those reports confirmed that the man’s death was attributable to underlying medical conditions.
The Interim Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including statements of two civilian witnesses, video footage from a nearby business, autopsy and other medical information, and police records – and determined that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that any officer may have committed an offence.
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.