South Surrey resident injured during arrest after alleged break-in attempt: IIO

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) says Surrey Police Service officers were called to a property near the 13500-block of 14 Avenue in South Surrey at about 6:45 p.m. Monday. The report was of someone using a weapon and trying to break into a residence. Officers found the person, who then entered their own basement suite on the same property, the IIO confirmed to CTV News.

The RCMP Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team and a police dog unit were called to assist, and police contained the entire residence, the IIO said. Emergency response team officers later entered the suite to make an arrest. The IIO said the person reportedly jumped through a broken window and was injured during the interaction. Officers took the person into custody and brought them to hospital for assessment and treatment. The office was notified the next day.

The IIO will determine whether any injuries meet the “serious harm” threshold under the provincial Police Act. If serious harm is established, it will consider whether the harm is connected to police officers’ actions or inaction. The IIO said the investigation will continue to examine all available evidence to determine what occurred only if both conditions are met. At the end of the investigation, the chief civilian director will consider whether there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence may have occurred.

The IIO investigates all incidents in B.C. involving police officers that result in serious harm or death to a member of the public, whether or not wrongdoing by police has been alleged. Anyone who witnessed the arrest or has information about the incident can call the IIO witness line at 1-855-446-8477 or use the contact form at https://iiobc.ca/contact-us/.