Witnesses sought after arrest of Saanich man in connection with assault at residence: IIO

The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) is searching for witnesses in connection to  an arrest that occurred in Saanich last week.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday, September 18th, police responded to a call regarding a man involved in an alleged assault at a residence on Woodhall Drive, according to the Saanich Police Department.

Members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team also responded to the call.

According to police, officers entered the area and began negotiations with the individual for several hours before the man exited the residence and was taken into custody.

During the arrest, officers used less-lethal use of force weapons and a police service dog.

The man was taken to hospital following the incident for assessment and treatment of injuries.

Shortly after the incident, the IIO was notified and has since launched an investigation.

The IIO says there are two factors that are considered at the beginning of each investigation.

The first is to ascertain whether an injury meets the threshold of serious harm, as defined by the police act, or if there is a death.

The second is to ascertain whether there is a connection between that serious injury or death and a police officer’s action or inaction.

If both of these conditions are met, the IIO says the investigation will continue to examine available evidence to determine what occurred.

Once the evidence has been evaluated, the chief civilian director will consider whether there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence may have occurred.

The IIO is asking that any witnesses who have information about the matter to call the IIO Witness Line at 1-855-446-8477 or to fill out the contact form on their website.