Friday, March 29, 2024

Saanich Police cleared of any wrongdoing in standoff that saw man seriously injured

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The province’s police watchdog has cleared Saanich Police of any wrongdoing after a man suffered serious injuries following a multi-vehicle crash in July.

On the afternoon of July 7th, officers with the Saanich Police department responded to a motor vehicle incident in the area of Cook Street and Cloverdale Avenue. 

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC conducted an investigation because one man sustained serious, life-threatening injuries.

The IIO is a civilian run organization of the police in British Columbia. They investigate all incidents where serious harm or death are involved to determine if there is any wrong-doing on behalf of the police. 

Witnesses reported a three-car crash on the day of the incident, and said that one man appeared to be having a mental health crisis while in possession of a large knife. 

The man was taken into police custody after being struck with several non-lethal rounds fired by officers.  He was then transported to the hospital for serious injuries he sustained that were self-inflicted, and minor injuries that were sustained during the arrest.

No one else involved in the incident was physically injured. 

Related:

Section of Cook Street closed, one person in custody after multi-vehicle crash (UPDATED)

Shortly after the incident, the IIO was notified and began their investigation to determine if police officers had any role in the injuries sustained by the victim or if the injuries were self-inflicted.

The IIO says they reviewed all evidence including witness statements, information from the victim, video footage and forensic evidence. 

Upon concluding their review of the evidence, it was determined that the serious injuries were not caused by police action. 

mm
Curtis Blandy
curtis@victoriabuzz.com

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