IIO Update on Incident in Langley (2019-141)
Case: 2019-141 Incident Date: August 8, 2019 Location: Langley Detachment: Langley Agency: Municipal Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - With Public ReportInformation Bulletin
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Posting
Surrey. B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. can now release further information regarding the IIO investigation into the police response in relation to the death of a young man in Langley.
RCMP reported to the IIO that at approximately 8:00 p.m., on August 07, 2019, a call was received from a complainant who had seen a snapchat photo of the youth from an unknown source and was concerned for his welfare.
Two officers attended the location to conduct a welfare check but could not locate the youth.
The IIO has commenced an investigation to determine what role, if any, the officers’ actions or inaction may have played in the incident that followed.
The IIO is asking anyone who heard or may have seen officers to contact the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477.
Langley RCMP are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the youth’s death. Due to circumstances surrounding the integrity of the RCMP investigation, it is only now the IIO can release this information regarding the IIO investigation.
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.