IIO Reaches Decision in May 2019 Incident in Prince George (2019-086)
Case: 2019-086 Incident Date: May 11, 2019 Detachment: Prince George Location: Prince George 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 reached a decision regarding an incident in Prince George.
As detailed in a previous release, on May 11, 2019 at approximately 8:30 p.m., an officer observed a male cyclist on the road weaving between lanes and not wearing a helmet near the intersection of 5th Avenue and Douglas Street. The officer stopped the cyclist to issue a violation ticket and subsequently attempted to arrest the man for unrelated offences. A struggle ensued a short distance away on Alward Street, and the man sustained a serious injury while being taken into custody.
The man was transported to RCMP cells, and medical attention was provided the following morning.
The IIO’s CCD has reviewed the evidence – including statements from the affected person and several witnesses, medical evidence, detachment video and police records – 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.
This matter has been referred to the RCMP for consideration of potential issues regarding prisoner care that fall outside of the IIO’s mandate. As this process is ongoing, the IIO will not be issuing its usual public report or commenting on the matter further until that assessment is concluded.
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.