IIO clears RCMP officers in 2024 Tsay Keh Dene police shooting

The Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia has concluded that no criminal charges will be recommended against RCMP officers involved in the shooting of a man in Tsay Keh Dene in April 2024.

According to the report, RCMP received a 911 call at approximately 10:04 p.m. on April 9, 2024, indicating an Indigenous man had shot two family members on the traditional lands of Tsay Keh Dene. Officers responding to the call reported seeing the man running between homes carrying a rifle. Police later discovered two people deceased inside a residence before the man barricaded himself inside a nearby trailer.

The IIO investigation reviewed statements from civilian witnesses and police officers, police records, 911 recordings, radio communications, a civilian cellphone video, forensic evidence and medical reports. Investigators determined officers spent several hours attempting to resolve the incident without force. RCMP members used loudhailers and telephone negotiations in an effort to persuade the man to surrender peacefully. Members of the Crisis Negotiation Team also spoke with him by phone during the overnight standoff.

The report states the man admitted to the shootings during one of the conversations and indicated he did not want to go to prison. Negotiators became concerned he might harm himself. Shortly before 5 a.m., the man reportedly told police he would leave the trailer but would be carrying a firearm.