An Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) investigation into the death of an 83-year-old man who was found in his vehicle that was submerged in a lake near Port Alberni has found an officer did not commit an offence.
On Dec. 13, 2023, around 6:45 p.m., officers were called for a well-being check for an elderly man driving a green Pontiac Sunfire.
An officer found and spoke to the man at 8:40 p.m.
Two days later, the man was found dead in his vehicle, which was submerged in Sproat Lake.
After reviewing evidence — including photographs, witness statements and police reports — the IIO says it does not have reasonable grounds to believe any officer committed an offence, and police actions or inactions were not responsible for the man’s death.
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Laura Brougham
