IIO Reaches Decision Regarding Injuries Suffered During August 2024 Arrest in Maple Ridge (2024-240)
Case: 2024-240 Incident Date: August 12, 2024 Location: Maple Ridge Agency: RCMP Detachment: Ridge Meadows Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportSurrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has now completed its investigation into the injuries sustained by a man while being arrested in Maple Ridge on August 12, 2024 (IIO 2024-240).
At about 11:25 a.m., a Ridge Meadows RCMP officer arrived at a business in the 11800 block of 224 Street for an unrelated matter. The police officer then received a report from a loss prevention officer about a recent theft and pointed out the man in question to the police officer.
The RCMP member then followed the man to Memorial Peace Park. There was an interaction between the man and the police officer while the man was being taken into custody.
At about 11:45 a.m., the man was escorted to the Ridge Meadows detachment and an ambulance was called. Around 12:20 p.m., the man was released from police custody. As the ambulance had not yet arrived and the man did not want to wait, it was cancelled.
Later the same day, the man took an ambulance to the hospital but left without being seen. On August 13, 2024, the man was taken to hospital again and received treatment before leaving the hospital on August 15.
The IIO was notified of the incident on October 15, 2024, after the RCMP became aware the man may have sustained injuries meeting the IIO’s mandate, and the IIO commenced an investigation.
The Chief Civilian Director has now reviewed the evidence – including witness statements, medical evidence 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.
Due to concurrent court proceedings, the IIO’s public report will not be published until that process is concluded.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.