The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) announced today that no charges will be laid against a VicPD officer following a five-year investigation into a fatal shooting.
On Sept. 21, 2021, VicPD officers responded to a report of a man in distress who had allegedly committed a theft and was threatening self-harm with a knife.
Upon arrival, officers located the man near a shopping mall. Police attempted to contain the situation while a trained crisis negotiator engaged the individual in an effort to de-escalate the incident and secure the safe surrender of the weapon.
“During the interaction, the man repeatedly expressed a desire to end his life or to provoke a lethal response from police,” VicPD said in a news release. “Officers deployed less-lethal options; however, the man subsequently concealed himself in a bush before moving towards officers while still armed with the knife. An officer discharged their firearm, and despite immediate medical intervention, the man died at the scene.”
The Independent Investigations Office – a civilian-led agency responsible for investigations into death or serious harm that may have been the result of the action or inaction of a police officer – conducted a comprehensive investigation into the incident and determined there were reasonable grounds to believe the officer may have committed an offence.
The IIO submitted its report to the BCPS, which later concluded the charge-approval standard was not met and that a prosecution would not have a substantial likelihood of conviction.
“This was a tragic and profoundly difficult incident,” said VicPD Chief Cst. Fiona Wilson. “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of the individual who lost their life. These incidents have a lasting impact on everyone involved, including the officers who respond with the intention of preserving life and protecting the public.”
But VicPD said the length of time BCPS required to reach its final decision in this case “has had a significant and negative impact with all of those involved.”
“Extended delays can leave officers in a prolonged state of uncertainty, placing considerable strain on their mental health, professional standing, and personal lives,” said VicPD Sgt. Angela Van Eerd. “Timely and transparent decision-making is therefore not only essential to procedural fairness, but also to supporting member wellbeing and maintaining operational readiness.”