IIO Reaches Decision Regarding Injuries Suffered During September 2024 Police-Involved Shooting in Merritt (2024-217)

Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has now completed its investigation into the injuries sustained by a man and woman while being arrested outside of Merritt on September 12, 2024 (IIO 2024-217).

On that date, police were already aware of previous reports of gunshots being fired in Merritt involving civilians and were attempting to locate the man involved and vehicle he was reportedly driving. Police also received further reports that day about the same man.

Later that afternoon, witnesses notified the RCMP about a vehicle being driven erratically on a remote forest service road outside of Merritt. It was reported to police at the time that the man driving the vehicle was also shooting a weapon in the direction of civilians.

Police – including members of the Emergency Response Team – later responded and located the vehicle on a rural road. Shots were fired by multiple officers and the vehicle’s two occupants were taken to the hospital with injuries, which they survived.

The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred and commenced an investigation.

The Delegate of the Chief Civilian Director has now reviewed the evidence – including video, 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Due to concurrent court proceedings, the IIO’s public report will not be published until that process is concluded.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.

info@iiobc.ca