IIO Investigating Incident in Vancouver (2019-131)
Case: 2019-131 Incident Date: July 25, 2019 Agency: Municipal Location: Vancouver Detachment: Vancouver Police Department Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey – On July 25, 2019, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) advised the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) that they arrested a male who had been waving a weapon and uttering threats on Victoria Drive in Vancouver. They noted that the officers involved had used less than lethal force in arresting the male.
Following this interaction, the VPD took the male to hospital. At that time the injuries of the male appeared to not meet the mandate of the IIO.
Subsequently, on July 26, 2019, the VPD advised the IIO that, following the initial medical examination, the male’s health had deteriorated while in hospital.
The IIO is now investigating the circumstances of the original police interaction and whether there was a connection with the male’s decline in health.
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.