IIO Provides Update to Investigation into Officer-Involved Shooting in Ucluelet (2021-119)

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is providing an update regarding the investigation into a police shooting in the Port Albion community near Ucluelet.

Initial investigative steps have confirmed that a weapon which is visually consistent with a firearm was located at the scene. No conclusions have been drawn, and inquiries into what role the weapon may have played in the incident are ongoing.

The IIO asks the public for patience while the investigation continues and to avoid speculation about the actions of the involved parties. The IIO will continue to work in consultation with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and local community leadership to conduct a fair, thorough, and timely investigation. The IIO is committed to transparency and will make the facts of what took place public as soon as practicable.

The woman who was shot is still in hospital with serious injuries and remains in serious condition.

Incident Summary

Information provided by the RCMP indicates that on May 8, 2021 at approximately 5:15 p.m., police responded to a residence in the 600-block of Albert Road after receiving a report of a disturbance and a man requiring medical attention. When officers arrived, a man and woman were located, and the woman was found reportedly in possession of a weapon.

Police fired shots, and the woman sustained serious but not life-threatening gunshot injuries. Both the male and female were transported to a hospital for treatment.

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.

info@iiobc.ca