IIO is Investigating the Circumstances Surrounding a Death in Kelowna (2021-138)
Case: 2021-138 Incident Date: May 30, 2021 Location: Kelowna Detachment: Kelowna Agency: RCMP 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 the circumstances surrounding a death that occurred in Kelowna.
Information provided by the RCMP indicates that on the afternoon of May 29, 2021, police and members of the Police and Crisis Team (PACT) responded to two calls at a residence in the 3400-block of Sexsmith Road to speak to a man regarding his wellness. The man departed the residence after the second police attendance.
On May 30, 2021 at approximately 10:15 p.m., a different man who lived at the same residence was found dead. The man police spoke to the previous day has been charged in the death.
The IIO was notified of the incident on May 31 and commenced an investigation to determine if police actions or inactions may have played a role in the incident.
The IIO is asking any person with relevant information 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.