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Surrey police did not cause 'serious harm' during wellness check: IIO

Man experiencing a 'mental health episode' was injured during arrest involving a conducted energy weapon
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The IIO BC has closed its investigation into an incident where a man was injured during an arrest by police following a call for a wellness check. (Independent Investigations Office of B.C. photo)

The Independent Investigation Office (IIO) has closed its investigation into a report of a man being seriously injured when the Surrey Police Service and Surrey RCMP arrested him. 

"The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including medical records and police information – and determined the man’s injuries do not meet the threshold of serious harm as defined under Part 11 of the Police Act," reads the IIO press release Wednesday (July 3).

The Police Act defines serious harm as an injury that may result in death, cause serious disfigurement or "may cause substantial loss or impairment of mobility of the body as a whole or of the function of any limb or organ." 

Police in Surrey were called to a building in the 9000-block of 128 Street at 12:25 p.m. on June 11, 2024 to check on the well-being of the man.

 According to an IIO press release, when the police arrived, the man "appeared to be experiencing a mental health episode and would not put down items in his possession."

"Officers then moved to detain the (affected person) under the Mental Health Act, using force, including a conducted energy weapon," notes the release. 

The man was transported to hospital for a mental health assessment. 

-With files from Tom Zytaruk 



Anna Burns

About the Author: Anna Burns

I cover breaking news, health care, non-profits and social issues-related topics for the Surrey Now-Leader.
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