IIO Team Deployed to Officer-involved Incident in Surrey

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Dec. 21, 2012

SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that a team of investigators has been deployed to an officer-involved incident arising out of a traffic stop.

This morning, Dec. 21, 2012, at 0043 hours, RCMP was conducting a vehicle check on a van near King George and 24th Street in Surrey.  During this check, the officer heard what sounded like a gun shot.  Officers approached the van and found the driver in medical distress suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gun-shot injury.  The driver was transported to hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The IIO was notified at 0140 hours and were at the scene by 0245 hours.  Four IIO investigators have been deployed and have met with the designated RCMP liaison officer.  Preliminary investigative activities are underway including identifying any police and civilian witnesses.

The IIO and the Surrey RCMP will work within the terms agreed upon in the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by the Chief Civilian Director and B.C.’s police services in July 2012.  This specifically provides for those circumstances where a concurrent investigation is underway.

As set by the Chief Civilian Director, the IIO’s goals are to conduct fair, unbiased, timely, thorough and competent investigations and ensure transparency through public reporting.

The RCMP remains responsible for the concurrent investigation into the actions of the driver.

Learn More:
Independent Investigations Office website: http://www.iiobc.ca/

Contact:
Kellie Kilpatrick
Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia
Kellie.kilpatrick@iiobc.ca