A Prince George police officer is having charges considered against him following an Independent Investigation Office (IIO) review.
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, regardless of whether there are any allegations of wrongdoing.
One man was pronounced dead following an incident between him and Prince George RCMP back in July 2017.
On July 18, 2017, Police responded to a call of a male “casing vehicles” in the 1000 block of Central Street West in the city. A struggle ensued and pepper spray was used in the process of apprehending the male.
The male appeared to be having trouble breathing according to the police report, and as a result, medical assistance was requested. Police say once the ambulance arrived, the man was taken out of the police vehicle and collapsed. He was pronounced dead shortly after.
The Chief Civilian Director of the IIO has completed his review of the investigative file and, pursuant to Section 38.11 of The Police Act, will be forwarding a report to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges. With this being done, the Chief Civilian Director has found reasonable grounds to believe an offence was committed by an officer involved in the case.
In approving the charges suggested, the BC Prosecution Service must be satisfied there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence gathered by the IIO and that the prosecution is required in the interest of the public.
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