The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) has concluded its inquiry into an incident that unfolded at a Campbell River marina last year.
The reports deems the RCMP’s use of lethal force was justified during a incident at a marina. This decision was based on the man’s armed status and explicit threats to shoot police officers.
The incident began on June 13th, 2022, when Campbell River RCMP received distressing reports of a potential shooting and hostage situation at the Discovery Harbour marina.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased individual on one of the boats with apparent gunshot wounds.
Subsequently, a man emerged from the suspect’s boat, claiming he had been held at gunpoint for an extended duration and that the suspect was alone on the boat.
ERT officers, supported by a crisis negotiator, established communication with the suspect, who was secluded on the boat’s obscured rear deck. Despite efforts to engage and negotiate, the situation escalated.
The suspect conveyed intentions of not surrendering peacefully, affirming possession of firearms and threatening harm to law enforcement.
Shortly after 5:30 a.m., the suspect, brandishing a rifle, made threatening gestures towards the officers.
A gunshot was heard from inside the boat, leading the officers to respond with gunfire, discharging a total of 31 rounds.
Tragically, it was later determined through an autopsy that the man had already succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound before being struck by police gunfire.
The investigation conducted by the Independent Investigations Office involved thorough scrutiny of evidence, including witness accounts, officer communications, and the autopsy report.
The agency concluded that the responding officers, under the circumstances they faced, acted within the bounds of the law and out of a reasonable belief that their lives were in imminent danger.
The Independent Investigations Office, an autonomous body overseeing police-related incidents resulting in severe injury or fatality in British Columbia, operates independently to ascertain the facts surrounding such incidents, regardless of whether any allegations of misconduct are made.
