Image: Julie Hiscock, used with permission / First responders render medical aid to a man in April 2024 in downtown Chilliwack near Mary Street and Patten Avenue.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

IIO investigation

IIO clears Chilliwack RCMP members of any wrongdoing after a man died in downtown Chilliwack

Jul 22, 2024 | 11:38 AM

CHILLIWACK — The civilian watchdog agency in British Columbia tasked with investigating all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death has cleared Chilliwack RCMP officers of any wrongdoing after a man died near Mary Street and Patten Avenue in downtown Chilliwack earlier this year.

Chilliwack RCMP received a report of a fight inside a vehicle near Mary Street and Patten Avenue on Monday, April 22, according to S/Sgt. Kris Clark, senior media relations officer for the B.C. RCMP in Surrey. Chilliwack RCMP, Chilliwack Fire Department and B.C. Emergency Health Services were all dispatched for the incident.

Officers responded and took one male into custody. Shortly after, the male went into some type of medical distress. Medical assistance was provided, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC says officers located the affected person, a man, who was causing harm to himself. Officers arrested the man using minimal force, however he went into medical distress a short time later.

Emergency Health Services attended to render medical aid, but the man was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

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The IIO was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred and initiated an investigation.

After reviewing all the available evidence including medical records, video footage and witness accounts, the IIO chief civilian director concluded there is no evidence to support the theory that police action or inaction played a role in the man’s death. The IIO says its investigation is now concluded.