IIO Provides Update to Investigation into Officer-Involved Shooting in Victoria (2021-256)
Case: 2021-256 Incident Date: September 12, 2021 Agency: Municipal Location: Victoria Detachment: Victoria Police Department Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Referral to Crown Counsel (RTCC)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-involved shooting in Victoria.
At this time, the IIO can confirm that evidence gathered to date establishes that speculation that a vehicle was involved in this incident is untrue, as are some other aspects being theorized. 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 diligently to conduct a fair, thorough, and timely investigation. The IIO remains committed to transparency and will make the facts of what took place public as soon as practicable.
All media inquiries regarding the investigation may be directed to the IIO via the contact form on our website. As is the case in all IIO investigations, to preserve the integrity and independence of the IIO investigation the involved police agency cannot comment on the particulars of an incident while the IIO investigation remains underway.
Updated Incident Summary
Information provided by the Victoria Police Department indicates that the morning on September 12, 2021, Saanich police responded to a report of a man alleged to be making threats with weapon. Officers located the man near Douglas Street and Tolmie Avenue. At 10:00 a.m., Victoria officers also attended the 3100-block of Douglas Street and reportedly engaged in negotiations with the male. It further appears the police intervention included the use of less lethal intermediate weapons. An interaction then occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. which resulted in the man being shot by police. He was pronounced dead on scene.
The IIO was advised of the incident shortly after it occurred and has commenced an investigation into 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.