IIO Reaches Decision in Police-Involved incident in Burnaby (2019-117)
Case: 2019-117 Incident Date: July 4, 2019 Location: Burnaby Detachment: Burnaby Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - With Public ReportInformation Bulletin
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Posting
Surrey – The Chief Civilian Director (CCD) of the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has reached a decision in the July 4, 2019 incident in Burnaby.
RCMP had reported that at approximately 10:40 p.m., an Emergency Response Team attempting to deescalate an alleged hostage situation, entered an 11th floor apartment in a residential building on Sanders Street, Burnaby. Persons inside the apartment attempted to exit via the balcony and a male fell to the ground. Emergency Health Services transported the male to hospital, where it was determined he had suffered serious injuries.
Based on a review of all of the evidence collected during the course of the investigation and the relevant law, the CCD does not consider that any police officer has committed an offence under any enactment. Therefore, the matter will not be referred to Crown counsel for consideration of charges.
Due to a concurrent prosecution by the BC Prosecution Service, the IIO will not be issuing its usual public report in this case, pending the conclusion of the matter.
As the matter is before the courts, the IIO will not comment on the details of the case or the evidence considered in reaching this decision.
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.