IIO Concludes Investigation into Death in Williams Lake (2021-013)

Case: 2021-013 Incident Date: January 14, 2021 Agency: RCMP Location: Williams Lake Detachment: Williams Lake Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - Without Public Report

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded an investigation into a death in Williams Lake.

On January 11, 2021 at approximately 2:00 a.m., police were called to a residence in the 700-block of Midnight Drive regarding a suspicious person. When officers arrived, they located four individuals nearby, one of whom, a man, was found to have outstanding warrants and was taken into custody.

Police became aware that the man had recently made suicidal comments which caused officers to be concerned for his welfare should he be released. As a result, they recommended that he be detained. Crown Counsel also raised these concerns during the man’s January 13 bail hearing and opposed his release. The court decided not to detain the male and released him on conditions.

On January 14, 2021 at approximately 6:00 a.m., the man was found deceased behind a business in the 1100-block of Broadway Avenue South.

The IIO’s Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence, including police records, jail logs and statements from involved parties, and determined that police actions/inactions did not play any role in the man’s tragic death. In fact, both police and Crown Counsel took positions that attempted to prevent this outcome. The IIO 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.

info@iiobc.ca

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