IIO is Investigating an Incident in Prince George (2020-067)
Case: 2020-067 Incident Date: April 12, 2020 Detachment: Prince George Location: Prince George Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - No charges approved by Crown CounselINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is investigating an incident in Prince George.
Information provided by the RCMP indicates that on April 12, 2020 at approximately 4:30 a.m., officers responded to an alarm from a sporting goods store in the 1400 block of 3rd Avenue which is known to sell firearms and ammunition. When police arrived, the affected person, a male, attempted to flee; following several hours of negotiations, the male was eventually taken into custody. He was taken to hospital where he was medically assessed and cleared for custody. Hours later, while in custody, the male went into medical distress and was transported to hospital where he was found to be suffering from serious injury.
The IIO will investigate to determine what role, if any, the officers’ actions or inaction may have played into the serious harm of the male.
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.