IIO Releases Jurisdiction in Pattullo Bridge Incident

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

Surrey – The Independent Investigations Office of BC confirms the Chief Civilian Director has now released jurisdiction into IIO 15-139, the critical incident that occurred yesterday morning in New Westminster.

On October 5, 2015 at approximately 3 am, officers from several police agencies responded to a call related to an adult male who appeared to be in distress on the Pattullo Bridge.  After significant efforts to negotiate with the male, officers were unsuccessful in their attempts to have him returned to place of safety. The male went off of the bridge and did not survive his injuries.

As a result of the fatality and the fact that officers were actively engaged with the male prior to his death, the IIO was notified.  This is a requirement under the Police Act and is further supported by the MOU signed by the Chief Civilian Director and BC’s police agencies.

Over the past two days, the IIO has conducted a preliminary investigation to determine if there was a nexus or relationship between the death and officers’ actions. Based on the information obtained,  there is no evidence of a nexus. As such, the IIO has released all jurisdiction into this matter.

As with all officer related fatalities, the BC Coroners Service has jurisdiction over the death investigation and remains solely responsible for releasing any information related to the deceased.

Marten Youssef
Manager, Strategic Communications
Marten.Youssef@iiobc.ca