IIO investigating after youth seriously injured in Nelson police custody
The Independent Investigations Office of BC is investigating after a youth sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries while in custody at Nelson police cells.
Image: Independent Investigations Office of BC
The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) is investigating after a youth sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries while in custody at the Nelson Police Department. The incident occurred Aug. 11, according to an IIO release.
Shortly before 11 p.m., a Nelson police officer arrested the youth on Hume Lane between Vernon and Baker streets. Information provided by Nelson police to the IIO stated that the youth appeared intoxicated and became uncooperative with the officer.
The youth was taken to Nelson Police Department cells. The IIO said the youth sustained injuries after arriving at the cells and while in police custody.
BC Emergency Health Services assessed the youth before an ambulance transported him to a nearby hospital for further assessment and treatment. He was later released from hospital to his parents.
The IIO was notified shortly after the incident and opened an investigation. Case 2026-196 is classified as a serious-harm case and remains open.
The IIO will first consider whether the injuries meet the Police Act threshold for serious harm. It will also examine whether police action or inaction was connected to the injuries.
If both conditions are met, investigators will examine the available evidence to determine what occurred. At the conclusion of the investigation, the IIO’s chief civilian director will consider whether there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence may have occurred.
The IIO investigates police-related incidents involving serious harm or death whether or not wrongdoing has been alleged. The agency has not disclosed the nature or cause of the youth’s injuries. Anyone with information about the incident can contact the IIO Witness Line at 1-855-446-8477 or use the contact form on the agency’s website.
Kelowna’s downtown waterfront will host classical voice, strings and piano Wednesday as the Central Okanagan Performing Arts Festival presents OVATION in the Park. The free concert runs Aug. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kerry Park, 1480 Mill St., and attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.