IIO finds no connection between Nelson police actions and youth’s injuries
Independent Investigations Office investigators are shown in an agency stock photo. The IIO has concluded its investigation into serious injuries suffered by a youth while in Nelson Police Department custody Aug. 11.
Photo: Independent Investigations Office of B.C.
B.C.’s police watchdog has found no connection between police actions or inaction and serious injuries suffered by a youth while in Nelson Police Department custody on Aug. 11.
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. concluded its investigation Sept. 15 after reviewing police and jail records, radio calls, video footage and medical evidence. The chief civilian director determined there was no connection between police actions or inaction and the youth’s injuries.
The incident began shortly before 11 p.m. Aug. 11, when a Nelson Police Department officer arrested the youth on Hume Lane between Vernon and Baker streets. Information initially provided to the IIO by Nelson police said the youth appeared intoxicated and became uncooperative with the officer before being taken to Nelson Police Department cells.
The IIO said the youth sustained injuries after arriving at the cells and while still in police custody. BC Emergency Health Services assessed him before he was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for additional assessment and treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He was later released from hospital to his parents.
The IIO announced Aug. 19 that it was investigating the incident. At the beginning of an investigation, the agency considers whether an incident involves serious harm or death and whether there may be a connection between that harm and police action or inaction.
The agency has not publicly disclosed the nature of the youth’s injuries or how they occurred.
The case is now listed as closed without a public report.
The IIO is B.C.’s independent civilian police oversight agency. It investigates officer-related incidents involving death or serious harm, whether or not there is an allegation of wrongdoing.
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