The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has launched an investigation into the injuries sustained by a man while in police custody in North Cowichan.
According to information released by the IIO, on the evening of November 20th, 2021, police arrested a man on West Shawnigan Lake Road and transported him to the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment cells.
It is alleged that during an interaction with the police while being lodged in cells, the man suffered injuries.
He was transported to hospital during the night of November 20-21st, 2021, and released from police custody.
About a year later, on November 16th, 2022, the man made a complaint to the RCMP who then notified the IIO on January 5th, 2023.
Following initial investigative steps, it was determined that the man had sustained ‘serious harm’, as defined by the Police Act.
Details of the injuries were not released by either organization.
The IIO investigation will seek to establish the details of the interaction between the man and police to determine if any officer may have committed an offence.
The IIO is an independent civilian-led agency responsible for conducting investigations into police-related incidents that result in serious harm or death.
The IIO’s investigation into this incident is ongoing, and said more information will be released as it becomes available.
