IIO Concludes Investigation into Death of One Man Near Shawnigan Lake (2024-292)

Case: 2024-292 Incident Date: December 18, 2024 Detachment: Central Saanich Police Department Agency: Municipal Agency: RCMP Location: Shawnigan Lake Detachment: Shawnigan Lake Detachment: Vancouver Police Department Detachment: Victoria Police Department Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - Without Public Report

Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has now completed its investigation into the death of an off-duty police officer that occurred near Shawnigan Lake on December 18, 2024 (IIO 2024-292).

In October 2024, the Vancouver Police Department began investigating two members of the Central Saanich Police Service.

Both CSPS members were then arrested on December 17, 2024, with assistance from the Victoria Police Department and Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team. They were released from custody later that day and taken home, following a mental health assessment.

On December 18, 2024, the RCMP was called to the scene of a deceased man in a rural area near Shawnigan Lake. It was later determined the man was one of the CSPS members that had been arrested. The RCMP then confirmed the man’s death was self-inflicted.

The IIO was notified by police the same day and commenced an investigation.

The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including witness statements, police documentation, medical reports and CCTV footage – and determined there is no indication that there was a neglect in duty of care, and no reasonable grounds to believe any officer may have committed an offence. This matter is therefore not being referred to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges.

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

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