Image Credit: IIO

By James Peters, CFJC Today

IIO clears RCMP after man dies in Williams Lake shelter shortly after release from custody

Jun 21, 2021 | 11:17 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — B.C.’s police watchdog says it will not recommend charges against RCMP in the case of a Cariboo man who died by suicide shortly after being released from custody.

Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) Chief Civilian Director Ron MacDonald’s report concerns the death of a man at a Williams Lake homeless shelter on June 27, 2020.

The man and his girlfriend were arrested two days earlier in Lone Butte for auto theft and drug possession. RCMP told the IIO the two “appeared to be under the influence of illicit substances” at the time.

While the woman was later taken to hospital in Kamloops for psychiatric assessment, the man was lodged in 100 Mile House RCMP cells.

He made one attempt at self-harm while in cells, but told officers it was done simply to gain their attention, was calm and cooperative afterwards.

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The man was later released on conditions to stay away from his girlfriend and to stay at least fifty kilometres from 100 Mile House.

Upon his release on June 26, RCMP transported the man to a homeless shelter in Williams Lake. The next day, employees of the shelter found the man dead in his room, apparently caused by suicide.

In his report, MacDonald says there is “no doubt” the man was unwell, but RCMP officers’ decision to release him “was made in good faith”, and without reasonable grounds to believe he was in danger.

MacDonald concludes the matter won’t be referred to Crown counsel.