IIO Reaches Decision Regarding a Police-Involved Shooting Incident in West Kelowna (2023-311)
Case: 2023-311 Incident Date: October 18, 2023 Agency: RCMP Detachment: West Kelowna Location: West Kelowna Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - With Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has now completed its investigation into the serious harm of one man following a police-involved shooting incident in West Kelowna (IIO 2023-311).
At about 12:10 p.m. on October 18, 2023, police responded to calls about a firearm in the 700 block of Harvey Avenue, as well as near Olalla and Skyline roads.
The man believed to be the subject of the calls to police was subsequently located by officers inside a portable toilet (or ‘porta-potty’) in the 900 block of Skyline Road. During the interaction that followed, an officer discharged their firearm, and the man sustained a gunshot-related injury. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
As a court process related to this incident remains underway, no further details can be released at this time.
The Interim Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including video footage, forensic scene analysis, witness statements and police reports – and determined that there are no reasonable grounds to believe any officer may have committed an offence.
The IIO investigation is now concluded, and the public report regarding this matter will be published once the related court process 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.