IIO is Investigating an Incident in New Westminster (2021-291)
Case: 2021-291 Incident Date: October 3, 2021 Agency: Municipal Location: New Westminster Detachment: New Westminster Police Department 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 New Westminster.
Information provided by the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) indicates that on October 3, 2021 at approximately 8:00 a.m., police responded to a request for assistance regarding a woman in the 440 block of East Columbia Street. Officers located the woman nearby and while placing her under arrest, a struggle ensued before she was taken into custody.
Police transported the woman to a hospital.
On October 21, 2021, NWPD became aware that the woman may have sustained a serious injury which required IIO notification. The IIO was notified on October 22 and has commenced an investigation.
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.