Update regarding an IIO Investigation into a Police-Involved Shooting Incident in Surrey (2025-038)
Case: 2025-038 Incident Date: February 9, 2025 Agency: RCMP Location: Surrey Detachment: Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Open - Investigation in ProgressINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is providing an update to Sunday’s police-involved shooting incident (IIO 2025-038).
“At this time, I can confirm that the deceased person in this incident was a male youth,” confirms Chief Civilian Director Jessica Berglund. “On behalf of the IIO, we extend our condolences to his family.”
Berglund continues, “As is the case in all IIO investigations, our investigators are currently working to gather all available evidence and interviewing witnesses. As our investigation continues, I want to reiterate that the IIO has a responsibility to avoid releasing any information that could prejudice an investigation, contaminate witness memories, or unduly infringe on the privacy rights of an affected person.”
“Similarly, a critical component of this work is ensuring that information released by our office has been independently verified to the fullest extent possible before we confirm details publicly. This is particularly true in cases where a non-police weapon was involved in an incident. Identifying a particular type of weapon may be seen by some to suggest a conclusion to the issue of whether the police action was justified or not. To avoid that perception, important details like the weapon type are held back until a full and complete investigation has been conducted. In some cases, it may be important to note that a weapon was present to give the public an accurate snapshot of the incident. Where possible, the IIO does not specify the weapon type until the role it may have played in an incident has been investigated,” said Berglund. “We appreciate the community and public’s patience while we ensure our investigation is conducted thoroughly, fairly, and to the highest standard possible.”
The IIO investigation into the incident continues. The BC Coroners Service’s independent investigation into the death is also underway.
Incident Summary
Information provided by the RCMP states that at about 2:40 p.m. on February 9, 2025, police responded to a report of a person with a weapon at a school in the 7000 block of 188 Street.
There was reportedly an interaction between the person and police near the intersection of 70 Avenue and 185 Street during which shots were fired by police. The person sustained a gunshot-related injury and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The IIO was notified shortly after the incident occurred and has begun an investigation. Initial investigative steps will seek to determine if police actions were necessary, reasonable, and proportionate in the circumstances.
The IIO is asking that anyone who saw or who has video footage of the incident to please contact the IIO at our Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.
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.