Update regarding IIO Investigation into a Death in Langley (2023-336)
Case: 2023-336 Incident Date: November 10, 2023 Detachment: Langley Location: Langley Agency: RCMP 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 confirms that the man who was involved in a November 10, 2023 incident in Langley has been located deceased.
Information from the BC Coroners Service has identified that human remains located at the scene of a fire on 0 Avenue in Langley as the man who was the subject of police attendance on November 10, 2023.
The search for the man, the affected person in the IIO’s investigation, was delayed until investigators could safely enter the fire-damaged building.
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 approximately 10:15 a.m. on November 10, 2023, police responded to a wellness check of a man with unknown whereabouts, later locating him in inside a building on 0 Avenue in Langley. The man was reportedly armed with a weapon and then barricaded himself inside with police remaining outside into the evening.
During the incident, a fire ensued destroying the building and it is believed the Affected Person died inside as the AP was not observed leaving the building.
The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred, and initial investigative steps will seek to confirm the details of the incident and what role police action or inaction played in it.
The IIO is asking any person with relevant information or video footage of the incident to please contact the 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.