The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded its investigation into the fatal shooting of a man in front of the Mayfair Shopping Centre in 2021.
The incident involved a Victoria Police Department (VicPD) officer and has led the IIO to recommend charges against the officer involved.
The chain of events began just before 10 a.m. on a Sunday September 12th 2021, when Saanich Police responded to reports of an armed individual in crisis in the 3500-block of Douglas Street.
The individual was reported to have made threats and was believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis.
It was further reported that the individual had stolen from a liquor store earlier that day at the Uptown Shopping Centre and had held a knife to their own throat before leaving the premises.
Given the proximity of the incident to Victoria’s jurisdiction, VicPD officers were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance to Saanich Police.
Attempts were made by officers to de-escalate the situation, which unfolded over the course of approximately an hour until an altercation occurred around 11 a.m.
During this altercation, a VicPD officer discharged their firearm, fatally injuring the armed individual.
Despite immediate attempts by officers to administer emergency first aid while awaiting paramedics, the individual succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The IIO’s investigation found that no officers sustained physical injuries during the incident.
Furthermore, it was noted that shortly after Saanich Police’s response, VicPD officers had also arrived at the scene and engaged in negotiations with the individual. The IIO reported that “less-lethal force” options were utilized during the encounter.
Chief Civilian Director Ronald J. MacDonald, said he reviewed the evidence gathered during the investigation and determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that one VicPD officer may have committed an offense in relation to the use of a firearm.
“As a result, and pursuant to Section 38.11 of the Police Act, the IIO has forwarded a report to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges,” said MacDonald.
While charges have been recommended, the decision to proceed with charges lies with the BC Prosecution Service, which must assess whether there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence provided by the IIO.
The BC Prosecution Service must also consider whether prosecution is in the public interest.
Chief Del Manak of the Victoria Police released this statement following the incident that day:
In this video @ChiefManak provides an update on this morning's fatal officer-involved shooting. If you have information about this incident please contact the @iiobc, who are conducting an independent, civilian-led investigation. #yyj pic.twitter.com/cYta1OyGqM
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) September 13, 2021
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