IIO Refers Report to Crown Counsel for Consideration of Charges Regarding an August 2021 Shooting Incident in Prince George (2021-137)
Case: 2021-137 Incident Date: May 31, 2021 Detachment: Prince George Location: Prince George 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 referred a matter to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges (IIO 2021-137).
Just before 7:00 a.m. on May 31, 2021, police approached a man near the North Star Inn near Victoria Street and 15 Avenue, Prince George.
During the interaction that followed, shots were fired by police, and the man sustained a serious gunshot injury. As releasing the details of the interaction could prejudice a potential prosecution, more information will not be provided at this time.
Upon completion of the investigation, Chief Civilian Director Jessica Berglund reviewed the evidence and determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that one officer may have committed an offence in relation to the use of a firearm. As a result, and pursuant to Section 38.11 of the Police Act, the IIO has forwarded a report to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges.
In order to approve any charges, the BC Prosecution Service must be satisfied that there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence gathered by the IIO, and that prosecution be required in the public interest.
While the matter is with Crown, the IIO will not be making any additional comment about the facts of this case.
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.