IIO is Investigating an Incident in Port Alberni (2020-070)
Case: 2020-070 Incident Date: April 20, 2020 Detachment: Port Alberni Location: Port Alberni 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 Port Alberni.
Information provided by the RCMP indicates that on April 20, 2020 at approximately 6:20 p.m., police responded to a call regarding the affected person at her residence. Officers speaking with the affected person became concerned for her wellbeing and contacted Emergency Health Services (EHS) to attend and assess her. The affected person declined to speak to EHS and officers left the residence.
The affected person was later found in medical distress in her home by a family member and was pronounced dead at the scene when EHS arrived.
The IIO will investigate to determine what role, if any, the officers’ actions or inaction may have played into the death of the female.
The IIO is asking for any person who saw, heard or recorded the incident to contact the IIO Witness Line toll free at 1-855-446-8477.
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.