IIO Files Report to Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding June 2020 Incident in Kamloops (2020-138)

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has filed a report to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges regarding IIO file 2020-138.

As described in the previous media release, on June 23, 2020 at approximately 10:45 p.m., police responded to a reported altercation involving a firearm at a residence in the 1000-block of Newton Street in Kamloops. When officers arrived, they requested all residents in the home, living in two different suites, exit the residence. A 40mm less-lethal round and police service dog were used to arrest one man when he exited, and he sustained serious injuries.

It was later confirmed that the initial report to police that there was an altercation was false.

Upon completion of the investigation, Chief Civilian Director Ronald J. MacDonald, QC, reviewed the evidence and determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that an officer may have committed offences in relation to the use of force. As a result, and pursuant to Section 38.11 of the Police Act, the IIO has forwarded a report to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges.

In order to approve any charges, the BC Prosecution Service must be satisfied that there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence gathered by the IIO, and that prosecution be required in the public interest.

While the matter is with Crown, the IIO will not be making any additional comment about the facts of this case.

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.

info@iiobc.ca