IIO Files Report with Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding a September 2021 Incident in Victoria (2021-256)
Case: 2021-256 Incident Date: September 12, 2021 Agency: Municipal Location: Victoria Detachment: Victoria Police Department Incident Classification: Death 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 2021-256.
At approximately 9:50 a.m. on September 12, 2021, members of the Saanich Police Department responded to a call alleging that a man was making threats with a weapon. The man was located by police near Douglas Street and Tolmie Avenue. A short time later, Victoria Police Department officers also attended the 3100-block of Douglas Street where officers negotiated with the man. Less-lethal force options were also utilized.
At about 11:00 a.m., an interaction occurred, and the man was shot by police. He was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.
Upon completion of the investigation, Chief Civilian Director Ronald J. MacDonald, KC, reviewed the evidence and determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that one officer with the Victoria Police Department may have committed an offence in relation to the use of a firearm. 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.