THE BC RCMP has notified the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia of an incident in Surrey where a man has died.

Just after 10 a.m. on Friday, officers from the Surrey RCMP were called to a residence in the 13200-block of 108 Avenue to check the well-being of a man in crisis, who had threatened self-harm with a weapon in a public place. Frontline officers and the Police Mental Health Outreach Team immediately attended the area.

When officers arrived they located the man inside the residence. He was reportedly in possession of a weapon and shots were fired by police. The man was given first aid and transported by BC Emergency Health Services to a local area hospital where he later died.

“There are necessary protocols in place with the IIO to ensure that the full circumstances around this tragic situation are examined,” said Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards, Officer-in-Charge of Surrey RCMP. “We are ensuring that all those involved are receiving the necessary supports following a traumatic incident such as this.”

The IIO BC has been notified and will be investigating the incident and the actions of the police officers. The area has been closed off to support the investigative needs. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the IIO BC. As the matter is now under investigation by the IIO BC, no further information will be released by police.

For more information about the IIO BC, visit its website at www.iiobc.ca