IIO is Investigating an Incident in Saanich* (2020-240)
Case: 2020-240 Incident Date: September 30, 2020 Detachment: North Cowichan/Duncan Agency: RCMP Location: Saanich 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 Saanich*.
Information provided by the RCMP indicates that on September 28, 2020 at approximately 8:20 p.m., a man was arrested by North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP officers and was transported to RCMP detachment cells.
On September 29, Emergency Health Services (EHS) were called at the man’s request. EHS spoke to the man, who reportedly refused treatment. The man was then transported to a local area correctional facility.
The man was found deceased in his cell at the correctional facility on September 30.
The IIO will investigate to determine what role, if any, the officers’ actions or inaction may have played in the death of the man.
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.
*The location was previously reported as Victoria