IIO Reaches Decision in June 2021 Officer-Involved Shooting Incident in Merritt (2021-142)
Case: 2021-142 Incident Date: June 6, 2021 Detachment: Merritt Location: Merritt Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - With 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 concluded an investigation into an officer-involved shooting incident in Merritt.
As indicated in the previous release, on June 6, 2021 at approximately 3:50 p.m., police attempted to stop a white Ford F-350 as part of an ongoing investigation. The truck did not stop, and the officer did not follow.
Civilian witness and police sightings, in addition to police vehicle video, confirm that at about 5:10 p.m., police observed the truck near Quilchena and Highway 5A. Officers followed the Ford as it travelled on Highway 5A and eventually came to a stop at the junction of Highways 8 and 97C, near Snake Road. When the truck stopped, an exchange of gunfire occurred. The adult male driver sustained a serious but not life-threatening gunshot injury.
The driver, as well as a child who was in the Ford during the incident, were both transported to the hospital for treatment. The child did not sustain a gunshot injury.
The CCD has reviewed the available evidence, including independent witness statements, police witnesses, and video sources, 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.
Due to concurrent court proceedings related to the incident, the IIO’s public report will not be released on the IIO website until that process has concluded.
Given the matter remains before the courts, the IIO will not comment further at this time.
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.