By CKPG Today

IIO Update

Charges to be considered against 5 Prince George police officers in death of man in 2017

May 29, 2020 | 1:50 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. has forwarded a report to the BC Prosecution Service for their consideration of charges against five police officers involved in a July 2017 incident in Prince George.

On July 18, 2017, at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers responded to a call of a male alleged to be casing parked vehicles in the 1000-block of Central Street West.

When an officer attempted to question the male, he allegedly attempted to flee on a bicycle. While attempting to take the man into custody, a struggle ensued between him and the officer and additional officers then arrived.

According to police, pepper spray was used. The male then appeared to be having trouble breathing and police requested medical assistance. Officers reported that the male was removed from the police vehicle when Emergency Health Services arrived, and collapsed. The male was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Now that his investigation is complete, IIO Chief Director Ronald J. MacDonald, QC has determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that two officers may have committed offences in relation to use of force, and three others may have committed offences regarding obstruction of justice. As a result, and pursuant to Section 38.11 of the Police Act, the IIO has forwarded a report to the BC Prosecution service for consideration of charges.

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In order to approve the charges, the BC Prosecution Service must be satisfied that there is substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence gathered by the IIO, and that prosecution is required in the public interest.

While the matter is with the Crown, the IIO says it won’t be making any further comments about the facts of this case.