IIO Files Report with Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding January 2021 Officer-Involved Shooting in Chilliwack (2021-012)
Case: 2021-012 Incident Date: January 12, 2021 Location: Chilliwack Detachment: Chilliwack Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Charges Approved by Crown CounselINFORMATION 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 2021-012.
As described in the previous media release, at approximately 7:10 a.m. on January 12, 2021, police responded to a report that a man involved in a domestic incident in Chilliwack left the residence in a vehicle. The man was located in his vehicle near the intersection of Lickman and Keith Wilson roads.
Police approached the vehicle at about 8:55 a.m. and an interaction occurred which resulted in shots being fired by police. As releasing the details of that interaction could prejudice a potential prosecution, more information will not be provided at this time.
The man was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
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 offences 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.