Prince Rupert RCMP had no role in tragic death of man following October traffic incident on Summit Avenue: IIO of BC

The Independent Investigations Office has concluded its investigation into an October 18th incident related to a man involved in a single vehicle collision at the intersection of Summit and Omineca Avenues.

The investigation from the independent civilian oversight agency  was launched to review the incident and the subsequent release from the Prince Rupert detachment of the RCMP in the early hours of October 19th. 

He subsequently passed away at his home later that same morning.

We took note of the details of the file at that time with this item.

The main scope of the investigation and its findings can be reviewed below:

According to statements provided by independent witnesses, the man was able to exit the truck without assistance, did not appear to be injured and waited next to his vehicle for Emergency Health Services (EHS) and police to attend. 

When EHS arrived, they spoke to the man who refused medical services and had no overt injuries. The man was then transported by police to the Prince Rupert RCMP detachment before being released at approximately 12:30 a.m. on October 19th. 

By all accounts, the man was treated respectfully and appropriately, as corroborated by witnesses at the scene and video evidence at the detachment. 

The man was found dead in his home on October 19th at approximately 9:20 a.m. The cause of death was not related to any injuries sustained during the collision. 

 The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including statements of independent witnesses and detachment video – and determined that the police played no role in the tragic death of the man. 

The investigation is therefore concluded.

You can review the full advisory from the IIO here.

For more notes related to Emergency Responders in the Northwest see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.