Independent Investigations Office of B.C now looking into incident
The province’s police watchdog is investigating after a man was injured when he was hit with bean-bag rounds fired by officers on Monday (June 23).
Press releases issued on Thursday (June 26) by both the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C. and the Abbotsford Police Department (APD) indicate that the incident took place just after 11 a.m. in the 32400 block of Emerald Avenue.
The releases state that officers were responding to reports that an agitated man with a knife was entering yards and approaching occupied vehicles.
APD media officer Sgt. Paul Walker said officers located the man, but he failed to comply with police commands.
“Following a brief foot pursuit and during the arrest, less-lethal bean-bag rounds were deployed to assist in safely apprehending the individual,” he said.
The man was taken to hospital for treatment.
The IIO states that it was notified about the incident the next day after police became aware that the man might have sustained “serious harm.”
The agency is now asking for any witnesses or those with video footage to contact them at 1-855-446-8477 or through the contact form at iiobc.ca.
The IIO investigates police-involved incidents resulting in serious harm or death to determine.
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