Weekly Summary and Update on IIO Activities for July 4 – 11, 2013
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Web Posting
July 12, 2013
Deployments
On March 8, 2013, RCMP in Prince George responded to a complaint of an adult male at his residence. During this contact, a Conductive Energy Weapon (CEW) was used. The IIO was notified by the affected person on May 22, 2013 when he indicated he had sustained serious injury as a result of the CEW. This matter remains active.
On July 7, 2013, New Westminster Police responding to a complaint, came into contact with an adult male. During this brief contact, the male fell 3 metres off a cement retaining wall and sustained serious injury. He was transported to hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigation established no nexus or relationship between the affected person’s fall and the contact with police. As a result, jurisdiction was not sustained and no further action will be taken.
New Investigations
On June 28, 2013, Vancouver Police arrested an adult male who while being taken into custody, experienced a significant medical event. While in hospital, the male’s condition deteriorated and he did not survive. (See Information Bulletins dated June 29 and July 4, 2013).
On July 2, 2013, Squamish RCMP responded to a complaint and arrested an adult male. Sometime after being taken into custody, medical personnel assessed the male and confirmed he had sustained a serious injury to his arm. (See IB dated July 5, 2013).
On July 6, 2013, West Vancouver Police responding to a complaint at the Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal arrested a 49 year old female. While in custody and en route to the West Vancouver Police Department, the female sustained a serious injury and was transported to hospital for treatment. The IIO was notified on July 7.
In all three instances, the injuries sustained by the affected persons met the definition of serious harm and the incidents were considered to be officer- involved. As a result, jurisdiction was asserted, sustained and the cases remain under investigation. The involved police agencies will work with the IIO as per the MOU signed July 2012 and maintain responsibility over any concurrent investigations.
Reports to Crown Counsel
On July 11, 2013, Chief Civilian Director Richard Rosenthal made a report to Crown counsel with respect to an officer- involved fatal shooting that took place at the Starlight Casino in New Westminster on Nov. 8, 2012. (See IB Nov. 8, 2012 and July 12, 2013). No public report will be issued.