IIO is Investigating an Incident in Coquitlam (2021-288)
Case: 2021-288 Incident Date: October 19, 2021 Location: Coquitlam Detachment: Coquitlam Agency: RCMP 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 BC is investigating an incident in Coquitlam.
Information provided by the RCMP indicates that on October 19, 2021 at approximately 3:10 a.m., officers were asked for assistance with a man reported to be intoxicated. Police located the man in the 300 block of Balfour Drive, and there was reportedly a struggle before the man was taken into custody.
Shortly thereafter, the man was noted to be in medical distress. Officers provided assistance until Emergency Health Services arrived and transported the man to a local hospital for treatment.
The IIO has commenced an investigation to determine what role, if any, officers may have played in the man’s condition.
The IIO is asking any person with relevant information 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.