IIO Concludes Investigation into Death of a Man in Coquitlam (2024-066)
Case: 2024-066 Incident Date: March 19, 2024 Location: Coquitlam Detachment: Coquitlam 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 investigation 2024-066 into the death of one man in Coquitlam.
Police were called on March 4, 2024 to check the well-being of a man at a residence in the 500 block of Cottonwood Avenue. They were unable to gain a response from inside the residence and reported their finding back to the original caller.
On March 19, police received another request to check on the man. On this occasion, officers gained entry to the residence where the man was subsequently located deceased.
The IIO was notified of the death shortly after it was discovered and commenced an investigation. Investigative steps included canvassing for witnesses, assessing police documentation, and liaising with the BC Coroners Service.
Based on the circumstances of the original call to police, it was reasonable for police to find they did not have grounds to enter the man’s premises at the time of that call. Therefore, there is no evidence to support that police action or inaction contributed to 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.