IIO is Investigating a Death in Powell River (2025-020)

Case: 2025-020 Incident Date: January 21, 2025 Location: Powell River Detachment: Powell River Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Open - Investigation in Progress

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) is investigating the death of one man in Powell River.

Information provided by the RCMP states that at about 10:40 a.m. on January 21, 2025, police responded to a request to check on the wellness of a man living in the 4500 block of Golden Avenue. It is reported that officers spoke to the man before leaving. The man was not apprehended.

Just before 6:00 p.m., police received another call regarding the same man concerned for his wellbeing. The caller reported that the man was armed. Police officers, including members of the Emergency Response Team, attended.

A short time later, the man was subsequently pronounced deceased from what appears to be a self-inflicted injury.

The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred and has commenced an investigation. Initial investigative steps will examine what connection, if any, police action or inaction may have played in the man’s death.

The IIO is asking that any witnesses that have not already provided a statement, or who have other video footage of the incident, to please contact the IIO at our Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.

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

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