IIO Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting Death on Meares Island (2021-046)
Case: 2021-046 Incident Date: February 27, 2021 Location: Meares Island Agency: RCMP Detachment: Tofino Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - With Public ReportInformation Bulletin
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C. is investigating the circumstances surrounding an officer-involved shooting death in the Opitsaht community of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation on Saturday evening.
At approximately 9:30 pm on February 27, Tofino RCMP responded to a report of a woman being held against her will at a residence on Meares Island.
The incident resulted in one man being shot and killed by officers. The woman was taken to hospital for medical assessment, and another man was taken into custody.
The IIO is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. Further details will not be released at this time in order to protect the integrity of the investigation. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477.
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.