IIO Reaches Decision in October 2022 Officer-Involved Shooting Incident in Burnaby (2022-275)
Case: 2022-275 Incident Date: October 18, 2022 Location: Burnaby Detachment: Burnaby 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 concluded an investigation into an officer-involved shooting incident in Burnaby where one man sustained serious injury and an officer, Cst. Shaelyn Yang, died.
At about 10:30 a.m. on October 18, 2022, Cst. Yang accompanied a parks worker to speak to a man sheltering in Broadview Park. When Cst. Yang and the parks worker approached the tent, an altercation occurred in which the man was shot by Cst. Yang and Cst. Yang was stabbed.
The man sustained gunshot-related injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Cst. Yang sadly did not survive her injuries.
The CCD has reviewed the available evidence, including independent witness statements and video footage, 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.