IIO Investigation into Fatal Self-Inflicted Gunshot Concluded

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Feb. 28, 2013

SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) investigation into the death of a man on Dec. 21, 2012 involving the RCMP has been concluded.

On Dec. 21, 2012, at approximately 12:39 a.m., an on-duty RCMP officer observed a van with the license plate obscured and the insurance decal indecipherable.  The officer initiated a vehicle check on the van near King George and 24th Avenue in Surrey.

Shortly after the van stopped, the officer heard what he described as a “pop”. The van rolled across the highway before eventually coming to rest on the centre median.  A second officer subsequently arrived at the location. Both officers approached the van and found the driver in medical distress suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot injury. The 42 year old male later died of his injuries.

The IIO asserted jurisdiction and conducted an investigation into the actions of the involved Surrey RCMP officer.  Following this investigation, Chief Civilian Director Richard Rosenthal concluded that there was no evidence that any police officer committed an offence related to this death. Mr. Rosenthal’s findings are outlined in a Public Report which can be downloaded at the link below. The IIO remains committed to its goals to conduct fair, unbiased, timely, thorough and competent investigations and to ensure transparency through public reporting.

Download Report: Final_IIO_Public_Report_on_Fatal_Self_Inflicted_Gunshot_Injury_Dec_21_2012.pdf [224 KB]

Learn More:
Independent Investigations Office website: http://www.iiobc.ca/

Contact:
Owen Court
Independent Investigations Office of BC
Owen.Court@iiobc.ca