IIO Reaches Decision Regarding December 2023 Police-Involved Shooting in Kitimat (2023-354)
Case: 2023-354 Incident Date: December 11, 2023 Location: Kitimat Detachment: Kitimat Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Open - Investigation in ProgressINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has now completed its investigation into the injury of one man during a police-involved shooting in Kitimat on December 11, 2023 (IIO 2023-054).
At around 8:00 a.m., police located a vehicle that had been reported stolen. Attempts to stop the vehicle and the man driving it were unsuccessful.
Police located the same vehicle again later in the morning and attempted to arrest the driver. There was then an interaction resulting in one officer discharging their firearm and the affected person sustained a serious injury as a result.
The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it happened and commenced an investigation.
The Chief Civilian Director has now reviewed the evidence – including a statement from the affected person, medical information, police records and witness accounts – 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 related court proceedings, the IIO’s public report will not be released on the IIO’s website until that process has 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.