IIO Files Report with Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding April 2021 Incident in Ladysmith (2021-097)
Case: 2021-097 Incident Date: April 17, 2021 Location: Ladysmith Detachment: Nanaimo Agency: RCMP 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 2021-097.
On April 17, 2021, officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a white Pontiac Montana van in the 100-block of Highway 1 in Ladysmith. The van did not stop, and officers subsequently used their vehicle to halt the van. A police service dog was used to help bring the man into custody, and he sustained serious dog-bite related injuries.
The man was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment.
Upon completion of the investigation, Chief Civilian Director Ronald J. MacDonald, QC, reviewed the evidence and determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that one officer may have committed an offence in relation to their driving and the use of a police service dog. 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.