B.C.’s police watchdog is seeking witnesses and video footage after a man died following a police response in West Vancouver on Nov. 3.
The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) said initial information from West Vancouver police indicated officers responded around 5:30 a.m. to 911 calls reporting a man trying to jump in front of southbound vehicles on Highway 99 near Strachan Point Road, in the Cypress Creek area.
According to that initial account, officers attempted to engage with the man, who fled into a bush and ravine area. A subsequent search involving a police service dog and the Canadian Coast Guard recovered a man from Howe Sound north of 1 Strachan Point Road a short time later, the IIO said.
Despite life-saving efforts by BC Emergency Health Services, the man was pronounced dead. The IIO was notified shortly after the incident and has begun an investigation. Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed what happened, or has dashcam footage or other video recordings, to speak with them.
At the outset of an investigation, the IIO considers whether a death or serious harm occurred and whether there is a connection to an officer’s actions or inaction. If both conditions are met, investigators examine the available evidence to determine what happened.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the chief civilian director considers whether there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence may have occurred. The IIO is an independent civilian oversight agency that investigates incidents involving police officers or detention guards that result in serious harm or death, whether or not wrongdoing is alleged.
Anyone with information is asked to call the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477 or use the contact form on its website.
