IIO is Investigating an Incident in Kelowna (2023-127)
Case: 2023-127 Incident Date: May 16, 2023 Detachment: Kelowna Location: Penticton Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm 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 Kelowna that resulted in one man sustaining serious injuries.
Information provided by the RCMP states that at about 4:00 a.m. this morning (May 16, 2023), officers in unmarked police vehicles were following an allegedly stolen vehicle when it pulled over and four occupants exited. It is reported that police attempted to stop the four individuals, but they all attempted to leave the scene.
One man was taken into custody with the assistance of a police service dog. He sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries during the arrest.
The other three individuals were reportedly arrested without issue.
The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred and has commenced an investigation. Initial investigative steps will seek to confirm the details of what occurred during the arrest and how the injuries occurred.
The IIO is asking any person with relevant information or 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.