IIO Concludes Investigation into Incident in Surrey (2021-164)
Case: 2021-164 Incident Date: June 28, 2021 Agency: RCMP Detachment: Surrey Location: Surrey 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 an investigation into a death in Surrey.
As indicated in the previous release, on June 28, 2021 at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers responded to reports of a man behaving erratically in the Newton area. He was located by police in a backyard in the 6900-block of 134A Street and taken into custody due to concerns for his well-being. Emergency Health Services (EHS) were called but were not able to attend immediately. Police and Surrey Fire Services provided assistance until EHS arrived a short time later to transport the man to the hospital. The man’s condition further deteriorated while in transit, and he was pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital.
Medical evidence confirms that the man sustained no significant injuries when arrested by police, and none that contributed to his death.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence and determined that the actions of police were not responsible for the man’s death. Significant efforts to provide medical assistance were made, but unfortunately those efforts were unsuccessful in saving the man’s life. 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.