IIO Seeks Witnesses to Officer Involved Shooting in Vancouver
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
April 10, 2015
SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office of BC will be back in the Downtown Eastside this afternoon and will be conducting follow up tasks to the officer involved shooting that took place yesterday afternoon.
Late yesterday afternoon, at approximately 5 p.m., officers responded to a complaint in the area of Gore and East Hastings Street in the Downtown Eastside. According to the police, they located an adult male who had reportedly stabbed several members of the public near the First United Church.
While officers attempted to take the male affected person into custody, he was shot and did not survive his injuries.
The IIO was notified immediately and investigators were at the scene throughout the evening. They will return this afternoon to conduct follow up tasks that include conducting a neighbourhood canvass; interviewing witnesses; securing any video; and generally seeking out any other information that may be available.
This incident took place at a very busy time of day. The IIO has reason to believe that members of the public may have witnessed the events or may have taken pictures or cell phone video. This evidence is critically important to the investigation.
Investigators will be in the area today and urge anyone who may have information to contact the IIO either by phone at 1-855-446-8477 or make yourself known to one of the Investigators at the scene.
The IIO investigation will focus on the actions of the police officers. The VPD will be responsible for the concurrent investigation into the actions of the affected person and any other persons involved prior to the incident.
The IIO will not be making comment on the number, gender or years of service of any involved officers, nor will the IIO release any identifying information about the deceased.
The BC Coroners Service is responsible for the death investigation and has jurisdiction over personal information related to the deceased.
Independent Investigations Office