IIO Notified of Police-Involved Incidents in Delta, Surrey and Nanaimo
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey – The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. has received notifications for these police-involved incidents that have occurred since October 28, 2018:
2018-135
On October 28, 2018, Nanaimo RCMP notified the IIO following the death of a male. It was reported that at approximately 1:14 a.m., Nanaimo RCMP received a call about a possible impaired driver. The driver was located and appeared to be impaired. Officers assessed that due to the male’s intoxication, he should be transported to hospital and Emergency Health Services (EHS) was requested.
Before EHS arrived, the male went into medical distress and officers administered medical assistance. The male was transported to hospital in a serious but stable condition. The coroner later advised the male died in hospital.
The IIO will investigate whether the death was related to the actions or inaction’s of the officers involved.
2018-136
Initial information provided to the IIO by Surrey RCMP suggests that at approximately 4:15 p.m. on October 28, 2018, officers observed a vehicle travelling at high speed. Officers pulled over the vehicle near 144th Street, Surrey.
Officers determined that the driver appeared to have consumed alcohol and requested that the male take a Roadside Screening Test. On refusal of the test, officers detained the driver. Shortly after being detained the male appeared to lose consciousness. EHS was requested and the male was taken to Surrey Memorial hospital. The male is currently under observation but conscious.
The IIO will investigate to establish if the male suffered serious harm as a result of interaction with officers or it was an unrelated medical event.
2018-137
It is reported that at approximately 9:10 a.m., on October 29, 2018, Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. Officers arrived and attempted to detain a female. A struggle ensued and the female complained of an injured shoulder. EHS was requested and transported the female to hospital. It was determined the female had sustained a fracture to her left shoulder.
The IIO will investigate whether the injury was related to the actions or inaction’s of the officers involved and whether such actions were justified.
2018-139
On October 31, 2018, Delta Police reported that officers responded to a call related to a male on a bridge. The officers engaged in communication with the male and it was reported the male fell from the bridge. The male did not survive.
The IIO will initiate a preliminary investigation in order to determine if there is a connection between the death and an officer’s actions.
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.