IIO is Seeking Witnesses to an Incident in Dawson Creek (2024-135)
Case: 2024-135 Incident Date: June 20, 2024 Location: Dawson Creek Detachment: Dawson Creek Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Open - Investigation in ProgressINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is investigating an incident in Dawson Creek where one man was injured.
Information provided by the RCMP states that earlier today (June 20, 2024), police responded to a report of several people with weapons near the intersection of 8 Street and 104 Avenue. Three people were reportedly arrested without incident, while a fourth person was located a short distance away by a convenience store near the intersection of 8 Street and 105 Avenue.
It is reported that there was a struggle between police and the man while he was being arrested. The man was taken to a hospital for treatment, and three involved officers also received medical attention.
The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred and initial investigative steps will seek to confirm the details of the interaction with police, as well as whether any force used was necessary, proportionate, and reasonable under the circumstances.
In particular, the IIO asks that two men who are believed to have witnessed the incident contact the IIO to speak to investigators. One man was wearing an orange shirt with reflective stripes and blue jeans, and the other man was wearing dark clothing and was seated in a wheelchair.
The IIO is asking any person with video footage or relevant information about 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.