IIO is Investigating an Incident in West Kelowna (2023-053)
Case: 2023-053 Incident Date: March 1, 2023 Agency: RCMP Detachment: West Kelowna Location: West Kelowna 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 West Kelowna that resulted in one man sustaining serious injuries.
Information provided by the RCMP states that at about 8:15 p.m. on February 28, 2023, police received a report of an alleged hit-and-run incident involving a black pickup truck that occurred near the intersection of Elliott and Gossett roads.
It is reported that the male driver of the pickup was located nearby and arrested. He sustained injuries while being taken into custody.
On March 1, 2023, the RCMP became aware that the injuries may meet the IIO’s threshold of serious harm, as defined by the Police Act, and appropriately notified the IIO of the incident. The IIO commenced an investigation, and initial investigative steps have confirmed that the man’s injuries do meet the definition of serious harm.
The IIO investigation continues and will examine the details of what occurred during the arrest to determine whether any officer may have committed an offence.
The IIO is asking any person with relevant information or video footage 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.