Following an incident dating back to April 2022, a member of the RCMP stationed in Campbell River has been absolved of any misconduct in relation to the fatal shooting of a man who reportedly pointed a pellet gun at him. The chain of events had been initiated by an emergency dispatch call, originating from a sporting goods establishment. The panic-stricken manager of the store had reported the theft of knives and a pellet pistol by an individual who allegedly threatened him with death, as shared by the Independent Investigations Office of B.C.
Police officers swiftly responding to the call received a detailed description of the alleged thief, including the crucial piece of information about his possession of a surprisingly realistic pellet gun. As seen on surveillance footage turned over to CTV News, a tense face-off ensued in a motel parking lot between an RCMP officer and the suspect. The incoming suspect brandished his pellet gun at the officer, who swiftly reacted by drawing his firearm and shooting as the suspect endeavoured to flee.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that one bullet had lodged itself in the man’s backpack. The encounter concluded with two additional shots, including one discharged when the man, though grounded, continued to menace the police with his weapon, as detailed by the IIO. Intervention from two more officers followed; they disarmed the suspect and checked him for any bodily harm.
Oddly enough, initial inspections by paramedics and police failed to reveal gunshot wounds, leading to the approval of the suspect’s transfer into police custody. However, the situation changed radically when another officer found the suspect unresponsive during an attempt to arrest him formally.
First aid measures began promptly with CPR, followed by an urgent call for the return of the paramedics. Despite all efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries on his way to the hospital. The IIO report later revealed that a bullet had penetrated his leather belt and the waistband of his pants, creating a covered wound from which minimal blood was shed.
IIO investigators worked without a firsthand account from the officer involved in the shooting. Instead, they relied on material such as video recordings, witness testimonies, medical documents, and forensic evidence. Ronald J. MacDonald, IIO’s chief civilian director, concluded that there were no reasonable grounds to believe an officer may have committed a crime, thereby deciding against referring the matter to the Crown counsel for the consideration of charges.
The IIO continues to be a crucial civilian oversight body for the policing community in B.C., busied with the thorough investigation of all serious harm or death cases resulting from police-related incidents. This observation holds true irrespective of any allegations of error.
