The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is looking into a Jan. 15 case in which a man claimed to be injured after being put in Port Hardy RCMP cells.
The IIO is a civilian-oversight agency that investigates police-involved incidents leading to serious harm or death. The injury has not been specified but the IIO said it looks like the man might have suffered “serious harm” while with the police.
The Port Hardy incident began with officers going to a residence where an intoxicated man was allegedly causing a disturbance. He was arrested for breaching the peace and transported to police cells.
Police said the man complained that he had been injured, and when he was released they offered to take him to the hospital. He instead requested to be taken home, but eventually chose to go to the hospital where it was confirmed that he was injured.
At that point, police notified the IIO.
The IIO ask anyone with information to call the witness line at 1-855-446-8477.
