IIO Update July 9, 2015

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

NEW INVESTIGATIONS: JURISDICTION SUSTAINED

April 1, 2015 marked the start of the new fiscal operating year for the IIO. These are cases where the Chief Civilian Director has sustained jurisdiction and a full investigation is underway.

IIO 15-00o057 Coquitlam RCMP (Serious Harm)

On April 5, 2015, an off-duty police officer and an adult male affected person collided when their vehicles were travelling along David Avenue and Riley Street in Coquitlam. The affected person sustained fractures.  

IIO 15-061 Vancouver Police Department (Death)

On April 9, 2015, VPD officers responded to a complaint of a man stabbing persons in the Downtown Eastside. Police located the adult male affected person at the scene and attempted to take him into custody. During this interaction, the male was shot by an officer(s) and did not survive his injuries.

For more information the IIO has posted two previous Information Bulletins on this case (April 9 and 10, 2015).

IIO 15-077 Burnaby RCMP (Serious Harm)

On May 13, 2015, officers responded to a complaint involving an unwanted guest at a Burnaby residence. When officers located and challenged the affected person, he was not complaint with directions. During this interaction, the male was shot by an officer(s), and subsequently sustained serious injuries.

For more information the IIO has posted a previous Information Bulletin on this case (May 13, 2015).

IIO 15-082 Fort St James RCMP (Serious Harm)

On May 27, 2015, officers responded to a complaint involving an adult male at a residence just outside of the Fort St. James area. While officers were arresting the affected person, he sustained a serious injury to his elbow.

IIO 15-081 Westshore RCMP (Serious Harm)

On May 25, 2015, the IIO received notification of an incident that had occurred on March 16, 2014.  At that time, officers were conducting a traffic stop that subsequently led to an impaired driving investigation. The affected person was taken into custody. It was reported that as she was being booked into cells, she became combative and that officers struggled to gain control. She sustained serious injuries to her jaw.

IIO 15-084 Vernon RCMP (Death)

On June 2, 2015, police responded to a complaint that subsequently led to an investigation and arrest. The male affected person was released with conditions and an order to appear in court the following day. On June 3, 2015, he was found deceased.

IIO 15-091 Vancouver Police Department (Serious Harm)

On June 28, 2015, VPD officers responded to a complaint of a domestic incident. At a Fraser Street residence, officers located the male affected person. With the assistance of a police service dog, the affected person was taken into custody. He sustained serious injuries to his arm and jaw and was transported to hospital for treatment.

IIO 15-096 Salmon Arm RCMP (Serious Harm)

On July 3, 2015, at approximately 5 p.m., officers responded to a complaint of an armed robbery. The affected person fled the scene in a vehicle. He was subsequently located with the assistance of a police service dog. During the exchange with the affected person, officers challenged and subsequently shot the male. He was transported to hospital for treatment.

IIO 15-098 Port Hardy RCMP (Death)

Shortly after 11 a.m. on July 8, 2015, RCMP in Port Hardy responded to a complaint of a man threatening members of the public with a knife. Police attended and located the male affected person near a firefighting staging area at Port Hardy Secondary School. During the exchange with the affected person, officers challenged and subsequently shot the male. He did not survive his injuries. IIO investigators remain in Port Hardy where the investigative is active.

PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS: PENDING JURISDICTION DECISION

These are cases where BC police agencies have notified the IIO of critical incidents – cases of potential serious harm or death where the affected person was or may have been in contact with officers. The Chief Civilian Director will sustain jurisdiction if serious harm/death AND a nexus or relationship between the injury and an officer’s action are confirmed. If the preliminary investigation does not establish serious harm and nexus, the Chief Civilian Director will release all jurisdiction.

IIO 15-075 Kelowna RCMP (Serious Harm)

IIO 15-083 Surrey RCMP (Serious Harm)

IIO 15-085 Chetwynd RCMP (Serious Harm)

IIO 15-088 Prince George RCMP (Serious Harm)

IIO 15-090 GVTAPS (Death)

IIO 15-092 Maple Ridge RCMP (Death)

IIO 15-094 Anaheim Lake RCMP (Death)

IIO 15-095 Richmond RCMP (Serious Harm)

IIO 15-097 Burnaby RCMP (Serious Harm)

Learn More:   www.iiobc.ca

Contact:          kellie.kilpatrick@iiobc.ca