The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) has launched an investigation into an arrest that occurred in Port Alberni where a man was seriously injured while being taken into custody.
The arrest occurred at approximately 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12th.
According to the IIO, members of the Port Alberni RCMP took the man into custody at a residence on the Tseshaht First Nation as part of an ongoing investigation.
However, while being taken into custody, the man was involved in an “interaction” which resulted in him suffering a serious but non-life-threatening injury.
Police say he was transported directly to hospital for medical assessment following the arrest.
Shortly after he was arrested, the IIO was notified of the incident and has since launched an investigation into the circumstances of his injuries.
The IIO says two factors are considered at the beginning of each investigation. The first being if the injuries meet the threshold of serious harm, as defined by the Police Act.
Serious harm is defined as an injury that may result in death, may cause serious disfigurement or may cause substantial loss, impairment of mobility of the body as a whole or of the function of any limb or organ.
The second factor considered is whether there is a connection between the serious harm and police action or inaction.
According to the IIO, if both conditions are met, the investigation will continue to examine all available evidence to determine what occurred.
Following the investigation, the chief civilian director of the IIO will consider whether an offence may have occurred on the arresting officers’ part.
The IIO are asking that any witnesses who have information regarding this matter to call the organization at 1-855-446-8477.
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