IIO Files Report with Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding March 2021 Incident in Abbotsford (2021-089)

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 2021-089.

As described in the previous media release, at approximately 8:00 p.m. on March 6, 2021, police were conducting an investigation into alleged property offences and located a man believed to be involved in the 3700-block of Davie Street in Abbotsford. A member of the Integrated Lower Mainland Police Dog Service assisted in arresting the man, who sustained serious dog bite injuries while being taken into custody.

The man was transported to a local 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 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.

info@iiobc.ca