THE Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has filed a report to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges regarding a January 2021 police shooting in Chilliwack.
The IIO BC said that at approximately 7:10 a.m. on January 12, 2021, police responded to a report that a man involved in a domestic incident in Chilliwack left the residence in a vehicle. The man was located in his vehicle near the intersection of Lickman and Keith Wilson roads.
Police approached the vehicle at about 8:55 a.m. and an interaction occurred which resulted in shots being fired by police. As releasing the details of that interaction could prejudice a potential prosecution, the IIO BC said in a press statement that more information will not be provided at this time.
The man was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Upon completion of the investigation, Chief Civilian Director Ronald J. MacDonald reviewed the evidence and determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that one officer may have committed offences in relation to the use of a firearm. As a result, the IIO has forwarded a report to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges.
In order to approve any charges, the BC Prosecution Service must be satisfied that there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence gathered by the IIO, and that prosecution be required in the public interest.
While the matter is with Crown, the IIO said it will not be making any additional comment about the facts of this case.