Update on IIO Investigation in Fatal Incident in Port Coquitlam (2017-064)
Case: 2017-064 Incident Date: June 18, 2017 Location: Coquitlam Detachment: Coquitlam Agency: RCMP Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - With Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey – The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is continuing its investigation into a fatal incident in Port Coquitlam.
Initial reports made to the IIO on the evening of Sunday June 18 by the RCMP, suggested that a distraught male may have shot himself following an exchange of gunfire with police. The IIO issued a statement stating that the investigation would determine if the male’s injuries were self-inflicted or from police.
Following an autopsy, it has been determined that the male’s death was not self-inflicted.
Witnesses reported the distraught male fired shots in the 2100 block of Audrey Drive in Port Coquitlam. No other physical injuries were reported to members of the public or police as a result of the shots fired.
The IIO is also investigating serious injuries sustained by a male relative to the deceased in the following hours. This incident (2017-066) is being treated as a separate investigation.
For both of these investigations, the IIO’s focus is determining whether police actions were lawful, proportionate and reasonable, or if any offence may have been committed.
The IIO has interviewed approximately 30 witnesses and six police officers, and asks that any potential witnesses contact the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477.
The initial information bulletin on this case can be found here.