The Independent Investigations Office and the B.C. Coroners Service have opened investigations into a fatal incident involving shots fired by police in Campbell River.
Campbell River RCMP told the IIO that police responded to a theft and weapon complaint at a business about 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
There was an altercation between a man believed to be involved in the complaint and responding officers near North Island Highway at Park Road, and shots were fired by police, the IIO said.
Ambulances responded, but the man was pronounced dead.
Two RCMP vehicles — one with its hood covered in a blue tarp and up against a chain-link fence and hedges — remained at the scene along Park Road in Campbell River on Saturday.
A nearby resident told CHEK News the incident happened outside her house. “It’s upsetting,” she said. “We have small children here.”
The cause of death has not yet been determined, the IIO said.
The agency was notified of the incident shortly after it occurred and deployed investigators to the scene.
The B.C. Coroners Service is also conducting an independent investigation to determine the circumstances of the death.
The IIO asks anyone with relevant information to contact them at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form at iiobc.ca.
The independent watchdog investigates all incidents involving police that result in death or serious injury to a member of the public to determine whether an officer may have committed an offence.
