IIO Concludes Investigation into the Circumstances Surrounding a Death in Kelowna (2021-138)
Case: 2021-138 Incident Date: May 30, 2021 Location: Kelowna Detachment: Kelowna Agency: RCMP 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 the investigation into the circumstances surrounding a death that occurred in Kelowna.
As detailed in our previous release, on May 29, 2021, officers and members of the Police and Crisis Team (PACT) responded to two calls from a residence in the 3400-block of Sexsmith Road to speak to a man regarding his wellness. The man departed the residence after the second police attendance.
The following evening (May 30), a different man who lived at the same residence was found dead. The man police spoke with on May 29 has been charged in the death.
Evidence gathered included statements from civilian witnesses, mental health professionals, and police officers. The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence and determined that the grounds to apprehend the male were not present and the actions of police were proportionate. The IIO investigation is now concluded.
The Kelowna RCMP and BC Coroners Service investigations into the death continue. Given the concurrent matter before the courts in this incident, the IIO will provide no further comment.
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.