IIO Reaches Decision in August 2020 Incident in Kelowna (2020-188)
Case: 2020-188 Incident Date: August 1, 2020 Detachment: Kelowna Location: Kelowna Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Chief Civilian Director (CCD) of the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has reached a decision regarding an incident in Kelowna.
As described in the IIO’s previous release, on August 1, 2020 at approximately 10:15 p.m., police investigated an alleged theft of an electric-assist bicycle and located a man believed to be involved on the Rail Trail, a bike and pedestrian trail near Hardy Street. There was an interaction between the man, a police service dog and his handler. The man sustained a serious dog bite injury.
Police provided medical assistance and the man was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The CCD has reviewed the available evidence and determined that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that any officer has committed an offence. Accordingly, the matter will not be referred to Crown Counsel for consideration of charges and the investigation is now concluded.
The IIO investigation concluded in April 2021. However, due to concurrent court proceedings related to this incident, the IIO did not issue any report at the time on the expectation court proceedings might be concluded in the near future. However, as those proceedings continue, at this point this is the only statement the IIO will make. The IIO will be issuing its usual public report at the conclusion of that court process.
As the matter is before the courts, the IIO will not comment further.
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.