IIO is Investigating an Incident in Richmond (2020-107)
Case: 2020-107 Incident Date: May 28, 2020 Agency: RCMP Location: Richmond Detachment: Richmond Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is investigating an incident in Richmond.
Information provided by the RCMP indicates that on May 28, 2020 at approximately 7:35 p.m., officers responded to a report of a man, the affected person in this case, who was alleged to be engaged in a struggle at a business near the intersection of Steveston Highway and Number 5 Road in Richmond. Upon arrival, officers placed the man in handcuffs and found the man to be in medical distress. Officers began CPR and called Emergency Health Services, who provided further medical assistance for approximately 45 minutes before transporting the man to the hospital. The man was pronounced deceased shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The IIO is asking that any person who saw, heard or recorded the incident to contact the IIO Witness Line toll free at 1-855-446-8477.
The IIO will investigate to determine what role, if any, the officers’ actions or inaction may have played into the death of the male. The RCMP is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, and the BC Coroners Service will investigate to determine how, where, when and by what means he came to his death.
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.