IIO Concludes Investigation into Incident in Saanich (2024-160)
Case: 2024-160 Incident Date: July 18, 2024 Agency: Municipal Location: Saanich Detachment: Saanich Police Department Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportSurrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has now closed investigation 2024-160 into the injuries sustained by a man while being arrested by members of the Saanich Police Department on July 18, 2024.
Officers initially responded around 1:30 a.m. to a call about a man attempting to break into a business in a shopping centre on the 700 block of Royal Oak Drive.
Upon arrival, police found that multiple E-bikes had been stolen using an industrial forklift. The forklift had also been stolen from a nearby construction site.
Officers then located a man hiding near some bushes and arrested him with the assistance of a Police Service Dog.
It was later determined the man suffered an injury to his leg during the arrest, as well as bite wounds from the police dog. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred and commenced an investigation.
The Chief Civilian Director has now reviewed the evidence – including medical records, photographic evidence and police reports – and determined the man’s injuries do not meet the threshold of serious harm as defined under Part 11 of the Police Act.
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.