The Independent Investigations Office is investigating a fatal incident that happened Saturday morning along Park Road in Campbell River.
Around 11:30 a.m. on April 2, RCMP responded to a theft and weapon complaint at a local business on North Island Highway.
“RCMP responded to a complaint from a store, River Sportsman on the Island Highway in Campbell River, about a man there who had committed some thefts. Police responded to that incident and it was understood the man may have left the store with weapons,” said Ron MacDonald, IIO Chief Civilain Officer.
The suspect headed north towards the Riverside Village (formerly the Heritage River Inn) where police encountered him.
The IIO confirms one shot was fired during the altercation but are still determining if there were more.
“All I heard was a bang and like a thud and then I walked into my living room and I saw a guy on the ground and, I think, three cops,” said Rae Johnston who lives across the street on Park Road.
The man was later pronounced deceased.
BC Coroners is also conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the man’s death.
Residents who live in the area say they are disturbed by the incident.
“Honestly I can’t understand it because I’m not sure what happened but at the same time it’s upsetting because we have small children here,” said Caitlyn Williams who lives on Park Road.
A statement by the IIO says the cause of the man’s death has yet to be determined.
CHEK News has asked the IIO if investigators have reason to believe there may have been a different cause of the man’s death than the shot(s) fired by the officer. The story will be updated with a response when it is received.
The IIO is asking anyone with information to contact the Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.
CHEK News
