IIO Files Report with Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding a June 2021 Incident in Vernon (2021-171)
Case: 2021-171 Incident Date: June 30, 2021 Agency: RCMP Location: Vernon Detachment: Vernon Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Referral to Crown Counsel (RTCC)INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has filed a report with the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges regarding IIO file 2021-171.
At approximately 2:40 p.m. on June 30, 2021, a man was arrested in the 2800-block of 28 Street in Vernon. He was transported to the local RCMP detachment where Emergency Health Services attended and took him to the hospital for treatment.
On July 2, 2021, the IIO was notified of the incident by the affected person and confirmed that the man sustained serious injuries while being taken into custody.
Upon completion of the investigation, Chief Civilian Director Ronald J. MacDonald, KC, reviewed the evidence and determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that two officers 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.