IIO Files Report with Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding an April 2021 Incident in Vancouver (2021-100)
Case: 2021-100 Incident Date: April 19, 2021 Agency: Municipal Location: Vancouver Detachment: Vancouver Police Department 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 2021-100.
On April 19, 2021, a man was arrested near the intersection of Cambie Street and West Broadway and taken to Vancouver Police Department cells.
While being booked into cells by a special municipal constable, an interaction occurred, and the man sustained a serious injury. As releasing the details of the interaction could prejudice a potential prosecution, more information will not be provided at this time.
Upon completion of the investigation, Chief Civilian Director Ronald J. MacDonald, KC, reviewed the evidence and determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that an officer may have committed an offence 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.