IIO is Investigating an In-Custody Death in Smithers (2022-237)
Case: 2022-237 Incident Date: September 4, 2022 Agency: RCMP Detachment: Smithers Location: Smithers Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Open - Investigation in ProgressINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is investigating the death of one man while in Smithers RCMP detachment cells.
Information provided by the RCMP states that on September 1, 2022, a man was arrested and remanded and lodged in Smithers RCMP cells.
At about 8:55 p.m. on September 4, a cell guard requested assistance as the man was found to be in distress. Medical assistance was provided, and Emergency Health Services were called to transport the man to the hospital. The man was subsequently pronounced deceased.
The IIO was notified of the death shortly after it occurred and has commenced an investigation.
The IIO is asking any person with relevant information, dashcam or other video footage of the incident to please contact the 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.