The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) has launched an investigation into an incident that saw Victoria police shoot a man with a less-lethal round just steps from City Hall on Friday.
The IIO confirmed on Saturday it is now investigating the events that unfolded around 3:45 p.m. on August 1st near the intersection of Douglas Street and Pandora Avenue.
According to VicPD, officers were called to the area following reports of a man with a weapon. Emergency Response Team members were among those who responded.
Police say the man was found holding what appeared to be a weapon, and officers used a less-lethal method to take him into custody. The man sustained an injury during the arrest and was taken to hospital for assessment and treatment.
Related: Police use less-lethal round to subdue suspect near Victoria’s city hall
The IIO is now working to determine whether police actions contributed to the man’s injury and whether the case meets the threshold of serious harm as defined under the police act.
If both conditions are met, the civilian-led oversight agency will continue its investigation.
As part of the probe, the IIO is asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage to contact their witness line at 1-855-446-8477 or submit information through iiobc.ca.
The IIO investigates all police-involved incidents in BC that result in serious harm or death, regardless of whether wrongdoing is alleged.
