IIO Concludes Investigation into December 23 Death in Port Alberni (2020-317)

Case: 2020-317 Incident Date: December 23, 2020 Detachment: Port Alberni Location: Port Alberni Agency: RCMP 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 B.C. has concluded its investigation into the December 23 death of a man in Port Alberni.

At approximately 6:40 p.m. on December 23, police received a report of a man on the roof of a 12-storey residential building in the 4200-block of Morton Street. Officers located the man and convinced him to move away from the roof’s edge. They encouraged him to put down a knife he was holding, but he stabbed himself in the chest. Officers immediately began first aid. Emergency Health Services transported the man to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. IIO investigators travelled to Port Alberni that day to begin an investigation.

The IIO’s Chief Civilian Director (CCD) has reviewed the evidence collected, including witness statements, radio and 911 calls and video and photos taken on-scene. Based on this review, the CCD has determined that the fatality was due to a self-inflicted wound, that officers acted appropriately throughout, and that police played no role in the man’s tragic death.

The 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.

If you are in crisis, help is available:

info@iiobc.ca

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