IIO is Investigating a July 2023 Incident in Surrey (2023-187)
Case: 2023-187 Incident Date: July 9, 2023 Agency: Municipal Agency: RCMP Detachment: Surrey Location: Surrey Detachment: Surrey Police Service Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Open - Investigation in ProgressINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) is investigating the injury of a man during his arrest in Surrey.
Information provided by the RCMP states that at about 1:25 a.m. on July 9, 2023, police attended a motor vehicle incident southbound on 192 Street between 69A and 70 avenues in Surrey. A man at the scene was identified by police to have an outstanding warrant and he was placed under arrest.
While being taken into custody, the man sustained a non-life-threatening injury. He was subsequently treated at a hospital.
The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred and initial investigative steps confirm that the man’s injury met the threshold of serious harm, as defined by the Police Act. The IIO’s investigation continues to determine if the police actions during the arrest were necessary, reasonable, and proportionate during the circumstances.
The IIO is asking any person with relevant information or video footage of the incident to please contact the IIO via the Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or using 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.