IIO Concludes Investigation into Richmond Incident (2020-107)
Case: 2020-107 Incident Date: May 28, 2020 Agency: RCMP Location: Richmond Detachment: Richmond 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 is concluding an investigation into a Richmond incident.
As detailed in our previous release, on May 28, 2020 at approximately 7:35 p.m., officers responded to request for assistance at a Canadian Tire store on Steveston Highway. Upon arrival, officers found the man, who was engaged with a security officer, face down in the parking lot. Officers placed the man in handcuffs, but quickly determined that he was unresponsive. Police immediately commenced CPR and called Emergency Health Services, who continued life-saving efforts. The man was subsequently pronounced deceased.
The IIO’s Chief Civilian Director (CCD) has reviewed the evidence – including statements from independent witnesses and several video sources – which show that the man was already unconscious when police arrived. Therefore, the CCD has determined that there was no connection between the death of the man and the actions or inactions of officers on the scene and the 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.